US Bridges

Merriman Road over Bell Creek

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · Livonia S/Six Mile · Structure no. 000000000012153

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,494
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merriman Road over Bell Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Merriman Road over Bell Creek in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 90 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 29,494 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,696 by 2015. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMerriman Road
CrossesBell Creek
LocationLivonia S/Six Mile
RouteCounty Highway 2057
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.40588, -83.35444
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.5 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,494 (1997)
Projected traffic25,696 by 2015
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merriman Road over Bell Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is Merriman Road over Bell Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Merriman Road over Bell Creek carry?

About 29,494 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Merriman Road over Bell Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns Merriman Road over Bell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.