About one in four Michigan bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, according to 2012 federal data. Search the database below to see the conditions of bridges near you.
The database includes bridges across Michigan that are 20 feet or longer and therefore required by federal law to be inspected at least every two years. Detailed definitions on each rating a bridge can receive are listed below the database.
Note that when you search bridges for a densely populated county like Wayne, you'll get several pages of results.
SD = Structurally deficient
A bridge is classified as structurally deficient if the deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert is rated in "poor" condition. Also, if the load carrying capacity is significantly below current design standards, or if a waterway below frequently overtops the bridge during floods.FO = Functionally obsolete
A bridge is functionally obselete if it is NOT structurally deficient, but the design is outdated. For example, a bridge may have lower load carrying capacity, narrower shoulders, or less clearance underneath than bridges built to the current standard.ND = Not deficient.
Scour is a term used to describe dangerous conditions at the base of a bridge such as erosion on bridges that are used over waterways.N = Bridge not over waterway;
U = Bridge with unknown foundation and not evaluated;
T = Bridge over tidal waters not evaluated;
9 = Bridge foundations on dry land;
8 = Bridge foundations stable for scour conditions, scour is above top of footing;
7 = Countermeasures installed to correct prior scour condition;
6 = Scour condition not yet been made;
5 = Bridge foundations stable for scour conditions, scour within limits of footings or piles;
4 = Bridge foundations stable for scour conditions, field review requires action to protect exposed foundations from erosion or corrosion;
3 = Bridge is scour critical, foundations are unstable for scour conditions;
2 = Bridge is scour critical, immediate action is required to provide countermeasures;
1 = Bridge is scour critical, failure of piers/abutments is imminent;
0 = Brige is scour critical, bridge has failed and is closed to traffic.