M-39/Southfield Freeway

Of the 360 tons of steel that went in to replace this stretch of highway in Michigan, over 200 tons was hot-dip galvanized (HDG). This is the typical overhead sign structures, cantilevers, digital portable warning signs and the heavy bridge tube rail. What makes this unique? It was specified and installed in an area that has for over twenty years been a large supporter of A-588 weathering steel. After the downfall of weathering material in some areas of the state, they went to Cardinal Fabricating and asked for their recommendation to repair and maintain the 588 material. Cardinals' only answer was "GALVANIZE IT." This is a huge step for MDOT who has been using galvanizing over the years, but this is the first to replace the Weathering Steel that they had believed in for so many years.