US Bridges

Cowling Road over Rocky River

Good

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 1 MI N of Three Rivers · Structure no. 000000000010356

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
146
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cowling Road over Rocky River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cowling Road over Rocky River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 146 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 155 by 2041. The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCowling Road
CrossesRocky River
Location1 MI N of Three Rivers
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.97014, -85.64749
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.2 US tons
Inventory rating46.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length117 ft (35.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic146 (2021)
Projected traffic155 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Cowling Road over Rocky River built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cowling Road over Rocky River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Cowling Road over Rocky River carry?

About 146 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Cowling Road over Rocky River?

The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Cowling Road over Rocky River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.