US Bridges

I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004769

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
606 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
45,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2021, 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 45,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,438 by 2041. The structure is 606 ft (184.7 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-196 EB M-21
CrossesGrand River
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97224, -85.67378
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length606 ft (184.7 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.6 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,200 (2019)
Projected traffic50,438 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$751,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is I-196 EB M-21 over Grand 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River carry?

About 45,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River?

The structure is 606 ft (184.7 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 EB M-21 over Grand River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.