US Bridges

M-44 over Grand River

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 4.9 MI SW of Rockford · Structure no. 000000000004706

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
410 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
33,588
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-44 over Grand River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-44 over Grand River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 96 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 33,588 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,800 by 2025. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-44
CrossesGrand River
Location4.9 MI SW of Rockford
RouteState Highway 44
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.0641, -85.5799
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,588 (2007)
Projected traffic44,800 by 2025
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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-44 over Grand River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is M-44 over Grand 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does M-44 over Grand River carry?

About 33,588 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-44 over Grand River?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns M-44 over Grand River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.