US Bridges

Harper Ave over I-94

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · In Detroit · Structure no. 000000000011256

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
258 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,250
1978 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harper Ave over I-94 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Harper Ave over I-94 in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1997, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 9,250 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,300 by 2017. The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHarper Ave
CrossesI-94
LocationIn Detroit
RouteCity Street 2000
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.40909, -82.94821
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length258 ft (78.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,250 (1978)
Projected traffic13,300 by 2017
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Harper Ave over I-94 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Harper Ave over I-94 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Harper Ave over I-94 carry?

About 9,250 vehicles per day (1978 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Harper Ave over I-94?

The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Harper Ave over I-94?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.