US Bridges

I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004781

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34,546
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2004, 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 6 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 34,546 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,010 by 2018. The structure is 178 ft (54.4 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
CrossesMonroe
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97204, -85.67232
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length178 ft (54.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,546 (2007)
Projected traffic45,010 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe 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 April 2023.

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

About 34,546 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe?

The structure is 178 ft (54.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 EB M-21 over Monroe?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.