Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River
FairAllegan County, Michigan · Btwn Saugatuck - Douglas · Structure no. 000000000000317
- Built
- 1937
- 88 years old, rebuilt 1982
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected June 2024
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 485 ft
- 7 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 9,000
- 2011 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River in Allegan County, Michigan. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 88 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 6 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 9,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2031. The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River built?
It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.
What condition is Blue Star HWY 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 June 2024.
How much traffic does Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River carry?
About 9,000 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.
How long is Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River?
The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Star HWY over Kalamazoo River?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.