US Bridges

Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 125 Ft South of 32nd ST · Structure no. 000000000005098

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,993
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 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 20,993 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,615 by 2036. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKalamazoo Avenue
CrossesPlaster Creek
Location125 Ft South of 32nd ST
RouteCity Street 2001
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.90543, -85.62722
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.1 US tons
Inventory rating55.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,993 (2016)
Projected traffic25,615 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek carry?

About 20,993 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Kalamazoo Avenue over Plaster Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.