US Bridges

Sixth Street over Grand River

FairPosted for load

Kent County, Michigan · Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000005192

Built
1886
139 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
545 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,550
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sixth Street over Grand River is a steel truss - thru carrying Sixth Street over Grand River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1886 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 139 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,550 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,450 by 2031. The structure is 545 ft (166 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSixth Street
CrossesGrand River
LocationGrand Rapids
RouteCity Street 2001
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.97662, -85.67331
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating7.8 US tons
Inventory rating4.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length545 ft (166 m)
Longest span151 ft (46.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,550 (2011)
Projected traffic7,450 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

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

Frequently asked questions

When was Sixth Street over Grand River built?

It was built in 1886, making it 139 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Sixth Street over Grand River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Sixth Street over Grand River carry?

About 4,550 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Sixth Street over Grand River?

The structure is 545 ft (166 m) long with a longest span of 151 ft (46.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Sixth Street over Grand River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.