Every two years, Michigan bridges undergo an extensive inspection that tracks their condition. The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council collects and disseminates this data. Bridges are expensive, long-lived assets that are essential to roadways and commerce. Continued implementation of this preventative maintenance strategy will be necessary to keeping bridges that are currently rated fair from falling into the poor category.
The region's bridge conditions remain little changed between 2022 and 2023; but the long-term trend suggests reinvestment is needed. Over the last 10 years, the share of bridges in good condition declined from 43% in 2013 to 37% in 2023. At the same time, the share of bridges in fair and poor condition increased; bridges in fair condition rose from 47% in 2013 to 52% in 2023, while bridges in poor condition rose from 10% in 2013 to 11% in 2023.