Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition

Bridges should be safe to protect drivers and pedestrians in the area, and identifying the most traveled bridges in Michigan in desperately poor conditions can help you stay safe. When they fall into poor or worse condition, they are deemed structurally deficient and require repairs. This condition can contribute to an increase in accidents, vehicle repair costs, traffic jams, and delays.

The Federal Highway Administration put together inventory data that states 11.4%, or 1,292, bridges in Michigan need repairs immediately. Others will be added to the list over the next couple of years, so it’s essential to get ahead on these and prepare for what’s to come.

Luckily, Michigan is set to receive $608.2 million to make repairs, although only $243.3 million is available immediately. Some of the bridge work that should take place include:

• Bridge replacement
• Widening
• Rehabilitation
• Deck rehabilitation/replacement
• Other work

1. I-696 over I-75 & 4 Ramps is One of the Most Traveled Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition

Built in 1971 in Oakland County, this urban interstate bridge needs repairs. It has 209,200 daily crossings.

Overall, this bridge is in poor condition for being structurally deficient. The substructure has deterioration and advanced section loss, making it at the top of the list for repairs.

2. I-94 over Ent to Ford Plant

This bridge was built in Wayne County in 1971 and is an urban interstate with 98,506 daily crossings. Wayne County has the most bridges in poor condition throughout Michigan, so it’s no surprise this one makes the list. The superstructure is in poor condition due to advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling, or scour.

3. M-39 over Ecorse Creek is One of the Most Traveled Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition

Found in Wayne County, this bridge was built in 1963 and is an urban freeway-expressway with 92,920 daily crossings. The deck of this bridge is in poor condition due to lost sections, deterioration, and other issues. It also needs work on the bridge railings to make them safer.

4. I-96 WB Main Roadway over M-39 (Southfield Expr)

This Urban Interstate in Wayne County, built in 1970, has around 78,863 daily crossings. The deck geometry on this bridge is intolerable, making it a high priority for repairs. Its deck is in poor condition overall, with deterioration ongoing.

5. I-94 WB over Ecorse Rd is One of the Most Traveled Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition

Built in 1962, this Urban Interstate bridge in Wayne County has 74,175 daily crossings. The deck and substructure of this bridge are both in poor condition due to advanced section loss, deterioration, and spalling or scouring.

6. I-75 over Conrail, Raisin R, Front

You can find this urban interstate in Monroe County. It was built in 1955 and has nearly 67,800 daily crossings.

The superstructure of this bridge is in poor condition with deterioration, advanced section loss, and spalling or scouring. Additionally, the substructure is in fair condition with minor section loss and cracking. Without repair, this bridge will worsen until it’s undrivable.

7. I-275 SB over Schoolcraft Rd is One of the Most Traveled Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition

Another urban interstate in Wayne County is in desperately poor condition. It was built in 1971 and has 65,653 daily crossings.

The worst part of this bridge is the deck, which is in poor condition for section loss, deterioration, and other issues. Its substructure also has some cracking or minor section loss.

8. I-475 and Ramp B over Chavez Dr

This urban interstate in Genesee County was built in 1976 and has nearly 63,400 daily crossings. The substructure is in poor condition with section loss, deterioration, and other issues. Plus, the deck has some minor issues, including cracking.

9. I-475 over Davison – Broadway Aves

With 63,400 daily crossings, this 1976 bridge in Genesee County is structurally deficient. The substructure has advanced section loss, deterioration, and spalling or scouring.

Additionally, the deck has some cracking and minor section loss. It needs repairs to replace the bridge deck to make it safer for drivers.

10. I-475 over Gilkey Creek

Another bridge built in 1976 in Genesee County needs repairs. This urban interstate bridge has 63,400 daily crossings, proving the necessity of fixing the bridge so it’s safe for drivers.

It has issues with the culverts, including large spalls, wide cracks, misalignment, and more. The culverts also have erosion, distortion, and deep pitting. Plus, the bridge foundations are unstable for scour conditions.

Summary of Most Traveled Bridges in Michigan in Desperately Poor Condition