US Bridges

I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004767

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
445 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
6,810
1982 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 6,810 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,832 by 2002. The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-196 WB to I-296S
CrossesI-196 EB
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97269, -85.67646
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length445 ft (135.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,810 (1982)
Projected traffic7,832 by 2002
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB carry?

About 6,810 vehicles per day (1982 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB?

The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 WB to I-296S over I-196 EB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.