US Bridges

M-96 (columbia) over I-194

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · 2.1 MI N of I-94 · Structure no. 000000000001207

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
164 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,478
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-96 (columbia) over I-194 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-96 (columbia) over I-194 in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 20,478 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,600 by 2027. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 78 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-96 (columbia)
CrossesI-194
Location2.1 MI N of I-94
RouteState Highway 96
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29849, -85.1803
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.2 m)
Deck width78 ft (23.9 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,478 (2007)
Projected traffic25,600 by 2027
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-96 (columbia) over I-194 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-96 (columbia) over I-194 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does M-96 (columbia) over I-194 carry?

About 20,478 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is M-96 (columbia) over I-194?

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.2 m) and a deck 78 ft wide.

Who owns M-96 (columbia) over I-194?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.