US Bridges

Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 2.0 MI E of M-11 · Structure no. 000000000004718

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
299 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,379
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96 in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1980, 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 9,379 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,939 by 2016. The structure is 299 ft (91.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThornapple Riv Drv
CrossesI-96
Location2.0 MI E of M-11
RouteCounty Highway 2001
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.89429, -85.50926
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length299 ft (91.1 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,379 (1996)
Projected traffic16,939 by 2016
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96 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 Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96 carry?

About 9,379 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96?

The structure is 299 ft (91.1 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Thornapple Riv Drv over I-96?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.