US Bridges

I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave

Good

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004811

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
270 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
27,318
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 27,318 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,932 by 2018. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-196 M-21 WB
CrossesCSX RR Seward Ave
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
Coordinates42.97346, -85.68246
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.8 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.5 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,318 (2007)
Projected traffic39,932 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave carry?

About 27,318 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.5 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 M-21 WB over CSX RR Seward Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.