US Bridges

Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek

FairPosted for load

Kent County, Michigan · 0.30 MI N of 36th ST · Structure no. 000000000005227

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
140 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,333
2003 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 13,333 vehicles a day, projected to reach 19,667 by 2023. The structure is 140 ft (42.6 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShaffer Ave
CrossesPlaster Creek
Location0.30 MI N of 36th ST
RouteCity Street 2001
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.90199, -85.58774
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length140 ft (42.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,333 (2003)
Projected traffic19,667 by 2023
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shaffer Ave 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek carry?

About 13,333 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Shaffer Ave over Plaster Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.