US Bridges

I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000004979

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
154 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,650
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 64 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 6 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 47,650 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,350 by 2033. The structure is 154 ft (46.8 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-296 WB/US-131 SB
CrossesRichmond ST
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 296
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.99209, -85.67699
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length154 ft (46.8 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,650 (2013)
Projected traffic55,350 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST carry?

About 47,650 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST?

The structure is 154 ft (46.8 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns I-296 WB/US-131 SB over Richmond ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.