US Bridges

I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River

Fair

Allegan County, Michigan · In Saugatuck · Structure no. 000000000000116

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
559 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
10,850
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River in Allegan County, Michigan. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 10,850 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,394 by 2018. The structure is 559 ft (170.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 W & US-31 S
CrossesKalamazoo River
LocationIn Saugatuck
RouteInterstate 196
CountyAllegan County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.64656, -86.18799
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95.7 US tons
Inventory rating57.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length559 ft (170.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,850 (2007)
Projected traffic11,394 by 2018
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River carry?

About 10,850 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River?

The structure is 559 ft (170.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 W & US-31 S over Kalamazoo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.