US Bridges

I-196 WB over Chicago Drive

Poor

Kent County, Michigan · In Grandville · Structure no. 000000000004813

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,705
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 WB over Chicago Drive is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 WB over Chicago Drive in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 31,705 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,727 by 2018. The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 WB
CrossesChicago Drive
LocationIn Grandville
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.90471, -85.78091
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length202 ft (61.5 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,705 (2007)
Projected traffic33,727 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 WB over Chicago Drive built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196 WB over Chicago Drive 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-196 WB over Chicago Drive carry?

About 31,705 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I-196 WB over Chicago Drive?

The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 WB over Chicago Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.