US Bridges

M-85 over Rouge River

Fair

Wayne County, Michigan · M-85 at Rouge River · Structure no. 000000000013311

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
330 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,317
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-85 over Rouge River is a steel movable - bascule carrying M-85 over Rouge River in Wayne County, Michigan. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger 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 6 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 7,317 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2025. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-85
CrossesRouge River
LocationM-85 at Rouge River
RouteState Highway 85
CountyWayne County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29132, -83.1423
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span178 ft (54.2 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.2 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,317 (2021)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2025
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-85 over Rouge River built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-85 over Rouge River 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 M-85 over Rouge River carry?

About 7,317 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is M-85 over Rouge River?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 178 ft (54.2 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns M-85 over Rouge River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.