US Bridges

Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR

Poor

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004947

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,035 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
10,425
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2 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 10,425 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,525 by 2036. The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMlk Jr ST
CrossesUS-131 & CSX RR
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 196
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.94879, -85.67237
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Deck2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11 (+14 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,035 ft (315.5 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,425 (2016)
Projected traffic11,525 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR carry?

About 10,425 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR?

The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Mlk Jr ST over US-131 & CSX RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.