DETROIT – Michigan transportation officials warned that more than 100 state trunkline bridges could face closure by 2035, with Metro Detroit expected to bear the brunt of the infrastructure crisis.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says 33 bridges in the Metro Region — which includes Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties — are at risk of shutdown without additional funding. The agency pointed to the age and condition of the state’s bridges as a growing threat to public safety and regional commerce.
Nearly two-thirds of Michigan’s bridges have exceeded their original design life. In the Metro Region alone, approximately 1,000 of the area’s 1,400 bridges are more than 50 years old, MDOT officials said.
“After awhile you can’t do anymore maintenance. You either have to rebuild the bridge or shut it down, and if we don’t have money to rebuild, then we close bridges for the safety of drivers, again on the road and underneath the road,” said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross.
Among the most concerning structures is the westbound I-96 bridge spanning the Southfield Freeway. MDOT officials indicated the heavily trafficked span could face closure within the next decade if it is not rebuilt.
At Universal Tire on Detroit’s West Side, technician Ali Noor described the steady stream of customers brought in by failing roadways.
“Busy all day,” said Noor. “Tend to try to take care as much people as I can.”
Local drivers also voiced frustration and hope for improvements.
“I’m looking forward to them getting better with the roads, progressing,” said one driver, John. “Some areas that I have been in they’ve been doing OK, but it could be better, a lot better.”
House Appropriations Chair Rep. Ann Bollin, a Republican who represents parts of Oakland and Livingston counties, said delays in the Legislature are risking jobs and worsening road conditions.
“Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to stall while they argue with the governor over whether a plan is even needed. Every day they delay risks jobs and leaves us all dealing with crumbling roads, potholes, and broken axles,” Bollin said.
At a press conference on August 20, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids said discussions about a roads plan were ongoing.
“There is no reason we can’t get the roads plan and a responsible budget done. We have consistently stated that those things need to move to have together because of the impacts, one on the other, in addition to the K-12 budget,” Brinks said.