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Bridges and Structures

M-231 Road and Bridge Project.
Department of Transportation

Bridges and Structures

Designing, building and preserving structures

The Bureau of Bridges and Structures develops and implements statewide policies to ensure Michigan’s bridges and structures are safely designed, built, maintained, and preserved through efficient and innovative practices.

 

Questions? Contact Rebecca Curtis, Chief Bridge Engineer/Bureau Director, or Deb Outwater at 517-599-8147.

  • The Blue Water Bridge with the sun rising.

    Structure Design

    Statewide design support, plan preparation and delivery, specifications, and estimates for bridges, culverts and other ancillary structures.

  • M-231 bridge located on the north side of the Grand River.

    Structure Construction

    Statewide construction support for projects with structural elements such as bridges, retaining walls, and sign or lighting support structures.

  • The Charlevoix Lift Bridge opening.

    Structure Preservation and Management

    Oversees the bridge capital outlay program, National Bridge Inventory (NBI) and preservation efforts.

  • A crane and workers placing segments of a soundwall.

    Geotechnical Services

    Supports planning, design, construction and maintenance of geotechnical features critical for MDOT’s bridge and heavy civil infrastructure.

Michigan Bridge Conditions map screenshot showing locations of bridges with different reported conditions.
Michigan Bridge Conditions map screenshot showing locations of bridges with different reported conditions.

Michigan Bridge Conditions

Bridge condition ratings are an important tool for transportation asset management.

Launch the Michigan Bridge Conditions web map

Publicly-owned bridges

Michigan has four public bridges: Mackinac, Blue Water, Gordie Howe International and International. For tolls, travel documents and traffic updates, visit the individual bridge website.

  • An an ore boat passing underneath the Blue Water Bridge.

    Blue Water Bridge

    The Blue Water Bridge spans the St. Clair River, connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward and Sarnia, Ontario.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge during construction.

    Gordie Howe International Bridge

    The Gordie Howe International Bridge spans the Detroit River, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.

  • The International Bridge in red, white, and blue lights at night.

    International Bridge

    The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge spans the St. Marys River, connecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

  • Mackinac Bridge during the summer.

    Mackinac Bridge

    The Mackinac Bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas.