US Bridges

I-96 Ramp over Open Ground

Poor

Wayne County, Michigan · In Detroit · Structure no. 000000000011556

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,096 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
18,870
1982 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-96 Ramp over Open Ground is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-96 Ramp over Open Ground in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 18,870 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,701 by 2002. The structure is 1,096 ft (334.1 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-96 Ramp
CrossesOpen Ground
LocationIn Detroit
RouteInterstate 96
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.37806, -83.21369
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,096 ft (334.1 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,870 (1982)
Projected traffic21,701 by 2002
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed—
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 I-96 Ramp over Open Ground built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-96 Ramp over Open Ground 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-96 Ramp over Open Ground carry?

About 18,870 vehicles per day (1982 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is I-96 Ramp over Open Ground?

The structure is 1,096 ft (334.1 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns I-96 Ramp over Open Ground?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.