US Bridges

I-196BL EB over Br of Black River

Fair

Ottawa County, Michigan · 2.0 MI NE of US-31 · Structure no. 000000000008708

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,496
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196BL EB over Br of Black River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196BL EB over Br of 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 13,496 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,520 by 2037. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196BL EB
CrossesBr of Black River
Location2.0 MI NE of US-31
RouteInterstate 196
CountyOttawa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.80486, -86.04379
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,496 (2017)
Projected traffic15,520 by 2037
Trucks7%
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$32,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196BL EB over Br of Black River built?

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

What condition is I-196BL EB over Br of 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 April 2024.

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

About 13,496 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

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

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-196BL EB over Br of Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.