US Bridges

US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004948

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
306 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,050
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land 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 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 3,050 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,375 by 2036. The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS-131 Ramp B M-21
CrossesVacant Land
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteU.S. Route 131
Coordinates42.94983, -85.67392
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,050 (2016)
Projected traffic3,375 by 2036
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
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 US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land built?

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

What condition is US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land carry?

About 3,050 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land?

The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns US-131 Ramp B M-21 over Vacant Land?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.