US Bridges

Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · In Dearborn · Structure no. 000000000011342

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
171 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
22,500
1993 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 68 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 22,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,600 by 2010. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 118 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld M-39-SCHAEFER
CrossesEnt to Ford Plant
LocationIn Dearborn
RouteState Highway 39
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29993, -83.17478
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width118 ft (36.1 m)
Roadway width104 ft (31.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,500 (1993)
Projected traffic25,600 by 2010
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant carry?

About 22,500 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 118 ft wide.

Who owns Old M-39-SCHAEFER over Ent to Ford Plant?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.