US Bridges

Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · Huron S/Pennsylvania · Structure no. 000000000012155

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,668
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain is a concrete continuous slab carrying Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 103 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 6,668 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,824 by 2015. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMiddle Belt Road
CrossesBlakely Drain
LocationHuron S/Pennsylvania
RouteCounty Highway 8231
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.17842, -83.32541
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,668 (1996)
Projected traffic5,824 by 2015
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain carry?

About 6,668 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Middle Belt Road over Blakely Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.