US Bridges

I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004977

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
474 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
1993 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 62 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,900 by 1977. The structure is 474 ft (144.5 m) long and 26 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-296NB Ramp
CrossesBridge ST
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 296
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97106, -85.67775
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length474 ft (144.5 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (1993)
Projected traffic6,900 by 1977
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST 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 I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST?

The structure is 474 ft (144.5 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns I-296NB Ramp over Bridge ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.