US Bridges

Franklin over Rouge River

PoorPosted for load

Oakland County, Michigan · North of Fourteen Mile · Structure no. 000000000008146

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franklin over Rouge River is a steel culvert carrying Franklin over Rouge River in Oakland County, Michigan. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,500 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFranklin
CrossesRouge River
LocationNorth of Fourteen Mile
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOakland County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.5299, -83.30518
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2019)
Projected traffic7,500 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$236,000 (2050 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Franklin over Rouge River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Franklin over Rouge River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Franklin over Rouge River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Franklin over Rouge River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns Franklin over Rouge River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.