US Bridges

Forest Hill Avenue over I-96

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Kentwood · Structure no. 000000000004744

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
295 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,416
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Hill Avenue over I-96 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Hill Avenue over I-96 in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1961, 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 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 4,416 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,850 by 2020. The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Hill Avenue
CrossesI-96
LocationIn Kentwood
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.92884, -85.55984
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
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.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length295 ft (89.9 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,416 (1996)
Projected traffic7,850 by 2020
Trucks2%
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 Forest Hill Avenue over I-96 built?

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

What condition is Forest Hill Avenue 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 Forest Hill Avenue over I-96 carry?

About 4,416 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Forest Hill Avenue over I-96?

The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Hill Avenue over I-96?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.