US Bridges

Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31

Fair

Allegan County, Michigan · 2.0 MI NE of Saugatuck · Structure no. 000000000000121

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
277 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,016
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31 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 9,016 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,550 by 2007. The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesOld US-31
CrossesI-196 & US-31
Location2.0 MI NE of Saugatuck
RouteCounty Highway 303
Coordinates42.68231, -86.16984
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 17 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length277 ft (84.4 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,016 (1996)
Projected traffic4,550 by 2007
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31 built?

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

What condition is Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31 carry?

About 9,016 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31?

The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Old US-31 over I-196 & US-31?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.