US Bridges

M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · 0.4 MI E of I-194 · Structure no. 000000000001308

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,000
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,180 by 2018. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 78 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-96 (e Columbia)
CrossesKalamazoo River
Location0.4 MI E of I-194
RouteState Highway 96
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29983, -85.17161
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width78 ft (23.9 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2013)
Projected traffic26,180 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-96 (e Columbia) 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 M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 78 ft wide.

Who owns M-96 (e Columbia) over Kalamazoo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.