US Bridges

I-196BL EB over Black River

Fair

Ottawa County, Michigan · 0.8 MI NE of US-31 · Structure no. 000000000008706

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,315
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196BL EB over Black River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196BL EB over Black River in Ottawa County, Michigan. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 14,315 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,976 by 2018. The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196BL EB
CrossesBlack River
Location0.8 MI NE of US-31
RouteInterstate 196
CountyOttawa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.80165, -86.06616
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating64.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,315 (2007)
Projected traffic14,976 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-196BL EB over Black River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196BL EB over Black 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-196BL EB over Black River carry?

About 14,315 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is I-196BL EB over Black River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-196BL EB over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.