US Bridges

Outer Drive over M-39

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · In Detroit · Structure no. 000000000011709

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
109 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,900
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Outer Drive over M-39 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Outer Drive over M-39 in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 62 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 17,900 vehicles a day, projected to reach 19,690 by 2022. The structure is 109 ft (33.1 m) long and 134 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOuter Drive
CrossesM-39
LocationIn Detroit
RouteCounty Highway 2057
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.41908, -83.21881
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length109 ft (33.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width134 ft (40.8 m)
Roadway width96 ft (29.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,900 (2007)
Projected traffic19,690 by 2022
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure8
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 Outer Drive over M-39 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Outer Drive over M-39 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Outer Drive over M-39 carry?

About 17,900 vehicles per day (2007 count).

How long is Outer Drive over M-39?

The structure is 109 ft (33.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 134 ft wide.

Who owns Outer Drive over M-39?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.