US Bridges

M-51 over Dowagiac Creek

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 2.7 MI SW of Decatur · Structure no. 000000000010730

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,754
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-51 over Dowagiac Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-51 over Dowagiac Creek in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,754 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,929 by 2018. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-51
CrossesDowagiac Creek
Location2.7 MI SW of Decatur
RouteState Highway 51
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.09903, -86.02154
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,754 (2007)
Projected traffic3,929 by 2018
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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-51 over Dowagiac Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-51 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 2023.

How much traffic does M-51 over Dowagiac Creek carry?

About 2,754 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is M-51 over Dowagiac Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-51 over Dowagiac Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.