US Bridges

M-59 WB over University DR Connector

Fair

Oakland County, Michigan · In Pontiac · Structure no. 000000000007848

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
208 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,196
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-59 WB over University DR Connector is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-59 WB over University DR Connector in Oakland County, Michigan. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 59 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 6 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 17,196 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,751 by 2018. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-59 WB
CrossesUniversity DR Connector
LocationIn Pontiac
RouteState Highway 59
CountyOakland County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.64322, -83.2805
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.6 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,196 (2007)
Projected traffic17,751 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-59 WB over University DR Connector built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is M-59 WB over University DR Connector 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does M-59 WB over University DR Connector carry?

About 17,196 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-59 WB over University DR Connector?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-59 WB over University DR Connector?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.