US Bridges

I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004776

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,806
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21 in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 47,806 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,022 by 2018. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-296 WB (US-131S)
CrossesI-196 EB M-21
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 296
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97279, -85.67722
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,806 (2007)
Projected traffic57,022 by 2018
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21 carry?

About 47,806 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I-296 WB (US-131S) over I-196 EB M-21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.