US Bridges

M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004932

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete Continuous
Length
536 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
27,197
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River is a concrete continuous arch - deck carrying M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 98 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 27,197 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,239 by 2018. The structure is 536 ft (163.5 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-45 (fulton St)
CrossesGrand River
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteState Highway 45
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.96324, -85.67546
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length536 ft (163.5 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.8 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.4 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,197 (2012)
Projected traffic12,239 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River carry?

About 27,197 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River?

The structure is 536 ft (163.5 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.8 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns M-45 (fulton St) over Grand River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.