US Bridges

I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 0.3 MI E of M-44 · Structure no. 000000000004727

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
42,937
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2006, 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 42,937 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,700 by 2025. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-96 M-21 WB
CrossesGrand Rapids Eastern RR
Location0.3 MI E of M-44
RouteInterstate 96
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.96875, -85.58516
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.8 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,937 (2007)
Projected traffic60,700 by 2025
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR 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 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR carry?

About 42,937 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.8 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns I-96 M-21 WB over Grand Rapids Eastern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.