US Bridges

Outer Drive over Joy Road

PoorPosted for load

Wayne County, Michigan · Detroit E/Telegraph · Structure no. 000000000012181

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,416
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Outer Drive over Joy Road is a concrete arch - deck carrying Outer Drive over Joy Road in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,416 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,788 by 2015. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOuter Drive
CrossesJoy Road
LocationDetroit E/Telegraph
RouteCounty Highway 2000
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.35713, -83.2618
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,416 (1996)
Projected traffic4,788 by 2015
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Joy Road built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Outer Drive over Joy Road 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Outer Drive over Joy Road carry?

About 5,416 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Outer Drive over Joy Road?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Outer Drive over Joy Road?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.