US Bridges

I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn)

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004809

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,625
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn) in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1998, 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 20,625 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,100 by 2035. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 43 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
CrossesConrail (abn)
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.95539, -85.70547
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.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.8 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,625 (2015)
Projected traffic26,100 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn) built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn) 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-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn) carry?

About 20,625 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn)?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 M-21 WB over Conrail (abn)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.