US Bridges

I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield

Poor

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004827

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
217 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,289
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1997, 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 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 20,289 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,363 by 2018. The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 M-21 EB
CrossesValley Ave & Garfield
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97196, -85.69813
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102.2 US tons
Inventory rating61.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length217 ft (66.1 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,289 (2007)
Projected traffic34,363 by 2018
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield carry?

About 20,289 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield?

The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 M-21 EB over Valley Ave & Garfield?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.