US Bridges

Inkster Road over Rouge River

PoorPosted for load

Oakland County, Michigan · In Southfield · Structure no. 000000000013497

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,529
2025 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Inkster Road over Rouge River is a steel culvert carrying Inkster Road over Rouge River in Oakland County, Michigan. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 7,529 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,444 by 2045. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesInkster Road
CrossesRouge River
LocationIn Southfield
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOakland County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.45733, -83.31754
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,529 (2025)
Projected traffic8,444 by 2045
Trucks3%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Inkster Road over Rouge River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Inkster Road 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Inkster Road over Rouge River carry?

About 7,529 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Inkster Road over Rouge River?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns Inkster Road over Rouge River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.