US Bridges

I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave

Poor

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids (6th St) · Structure no. 000000000004778

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50,972
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 50,972 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,403 by 2018. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-296 SB (US-131S)
Crosses6th Ave
LocationIn Grand Rapids (6th St)
RouteInterstate 296
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.9769, -85.67798
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width69 ft (21.1 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,972 (2007)
Projected traffic63,403 by 2018
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave built?

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

What condition is I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave carry?

About 50,972 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns I-296 SB (US-131S) over 6th Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.