US Bridges

West River Road over Thorofare Canal

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · Grosse Ile N/Gross I Pkwy · Structure no. 000000000012210

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,803
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

West River Road over Thorofare Canal is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying West River Road over Thorofare Canal in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1995, 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 2,803 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,402 by 2015. The structure is 96 ft (29.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest River Road
CrossesThorofare Canal
LocationGrosse Ile N/Gross I Pkwy
RouteCounty Highway 2057
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12768, -83.17218
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating70.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length96 ft (29.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,803 (1995)
Projected traffic2,402 by 2015
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 West River Road over Thorofare Canal built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is West River Road over Thorofare Canal 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does West River Road over Thorofare Canal carry?

About 2,803 vehicles per day (1995 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is West River Road over Thorofare Canal?

The structure is 96 ft (29.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns West River Road over Thorofare Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.