US Bridges

I-96 WB over Thornapple River

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 3.2 MI E of M-11 · Structure no. 000000000004710

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
440 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,253
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-96 WB over Thornapple River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-96 WB over Thornapple River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 64 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 6 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 16,253 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,729 by 2018. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-96 WB
CrossesThornapple River
Location3.2 MI E of M-11
RouteInterstate 96
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.8884, -85.48634
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,253 (2007)
Projected traffic13,729 by 2018
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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-96 WB over Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is I-96 WB over Thornapple 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 I-96 WB over Thornapple River carry?

About 16,253 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-96 WB over Thornapple River?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I-96 WB over Thornapple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.