US Bridges

California Road over Dowagiac Creek

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · 2.5 MI W of Dowagiac · Structure no. 000000000001458

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
273
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

California Road over Dowagiac Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying California Road over Dowagiac Creek in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 273 vehicles a day, projected to reach 300 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCalifornia Road
CrossesDowagiac Creek
Location2.5 MI W of Dowagiac
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.9876, -86.15584
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.6 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic273 (2019)
Projected traffic300 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 California Road over Dowagiac Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is California Road over Dowagiac Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does California Road over Dowagiac Creek carry?

About 273 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is California Road over Dowagiac Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns California Road over Dowagiac Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.