US Bridges

M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek

Fair

Manistee County, Michigan · 2.5 MI S of Benzie Col · Structure no. 000000000006443

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,206
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek in Manistee County, Michigan. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 2,206 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,537 by 2039. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-22|NORTHWOOD HWY
CrossesBowens Creek
Location2.5 MI S of Benzie Col
RouteState Highway 22
CountyManistee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.48239, -86.23217
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,206 (2019)
Projected traffic2,537 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek carry?

About 2,206 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns M-22|NORTHWOOD HWY over Bowens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.