US Bridges

Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River

Poor

Cass County, Michigan · 0.5 MI W of Sumnerville · Structure no. 000000000001446

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
67 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
991
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 991 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,200 by 2039. The structure is 67 ft (20.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIndian Lake Road
CrossesDowagiac River
Location0.5 MI W of Sumnerville
RouteCounty Highway 1407
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.9131, -86.21298
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating90.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length67 ft (20.3 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic991 (2019)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River carry?

About 991 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River?

The structure is 67 ft (20.3 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Indian Lake Road over Dowagiac River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.