US Bridges

I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek

Fair

Kalamazoo County, Michigan · 0.1 MI W of Kalamazoo Riv · Structure no. 000000000004600

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,699
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 78 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 25,699 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,508 by 2018. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 93 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI-94 Bl (mich Ave)
CrossesPortage Creek
Location0.1 MI W of Kalamazoo Riv
RouteInterstate 94
CountyKalamazoo County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.29472, -85.57339
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width93 ft (28.2 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,699 (2007)
Projected traffic31,508 by 2018
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek carry?

About 25,699 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 93 ft wide.

Who owns I-94 Bl (mich Ave) over Portage Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.