The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) identified more than 100 state trunkline bridges across southern Michigan that could close by 2035 without new funding. Many of these structures, built in the 1950s, have already exceeded their intended service lives.
One example is the M-14 and US-23 Business Route bridge over the Huron River and MDOT railroad in Ann Arbor. Built in 1956, it is currently rated in fair condition. MDOT estimates a full replacement would cost about $150 million, nearly four times the department’s annual bridge replacement and repair budget.
Statewide, potential bridge closures could disrupt travel for more than 1.8 million drivers every day. In the University Region’s nine counties alone, 99 bridges are in poor or worse condition, and 33 could close by 2035. Those closures would affect more than 100,000 road users.
MDOT expects funding shortfalls to reduce its annual highway reconstruction budget from $495 million to $222 million after the Rebuilding Michigan bond program ends. That reduction could cut about 2,800 construction jobs in 2026 and stall recent progress in road and bridge improvements.