US Bridges

M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut

Poor

Wayne County, Michigan · In Detroit · Structure no. 000000000011326

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,649
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 96 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 4 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.

It carries about 19,649 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,529 by 2018. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 120 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-3 (gratiot Ave)
CrossesDequindre Cut
LocationIn Detroit
RouteState Highway 3
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.34728, -83.03584
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width120 ft (36.5 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,649 (2007)
Projected traffic20,529 by 2018
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut 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 M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut carry?

About 19,649 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 120 ft wide.

Who owns M-3 (gratiot Ave) over Dequindre Cut?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.