US Bridges

M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR

Poor

Calhoun County, Michigan · 0.2 MI E of Skyline · Structure no. 000000000001400

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
338 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
1997 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,700 by 2007. The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-96 W Columbia
CrossesGtw RR
Location0.2 MI E of Skyline
RouteState Highway 96
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29102, -85.27267
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating101.4 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length338 ft (103 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (1997)
Projected traffic7,700 by 2007
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR?

The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns M-96 W Columbia over Gtw RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.