US Bridges

Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek

FairPosted for load

Cass County, Michigan · 0.1 MI N of Jefferson Ave · Structure no. 000000000001466

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,430
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,430 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,965 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCass Avenue
CrossesDowagiac Creek
Location0.1 MI N of Jefferson Ave
RouteCity Street 2042
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.97785, -86.10727
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,430 (2022)
Projected traffic2,965 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cass Avenue 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek carry?

About 2,430 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Cass Avenue over Dowagiac Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.