US Bridges

M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · E Limits Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004859

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
42,978
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 42,978 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,425 by 2018. The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-37
CrossesGrand Rapids Eastern RR
LocationE Limits Grand Rapids
RouteState Highway 44
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.96981, -85.5907
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.7 US tons
Inventory rating57.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length115 ft (35 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.1 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,978 (2007)
Projected traffic59,425 by 2018
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$42,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR carry?

About 42,978 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR?

The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns M-37 over Grand Rapids Eastern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.