US Bridges

I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Grand Rapids · Structure no. 000000000013751

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
280 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
47,650
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 63 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 280 ft (85.2 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 EB/US-131 NB
CrossesGre RR & Indian Creek
LocationIn Grand Rapids
RouteInterstate 296
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.99411, -85.67656
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length280 ft (85.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (23 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 structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek carry?

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

How long is I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek?

The structure is 280 ft (85.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (23 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns I-296 EB/US-131 NB over Gre RR & Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.