US Bridges

I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004783

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34,546
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2006, 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 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 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,000 by 2022. The structure is 194 ft (59 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 M-21 WB
CrossesOttawa Ave & Ramp a
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97189, -85.67003
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating68.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length194 ft (59 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,546 (2007)
Projected traffic47,000 by 2022
Trucks9%
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a 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 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a carry?

About 34,546 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a?

The structure is 194 ft (59 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 M-21 WB over Ottawa Ave & Ramp a?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.