US Bridges

I-196 EB over Black River

Fair

Ottawa County, Michigan · 2 MI E of Zeeland · Structure no. 000000000008724

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,999
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 EB over Black River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 EB over Black River in Ottawa County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 15,999 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,239 by 2018. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 EB
CrossesBlack River
Location2 MI E of Zeeland
RouteInterstate 196
CountyOttawa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.81677, -85.9699
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating65.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,999 (2007)
Projected traffic21,239 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-196 EB over Black River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196 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 May 2024.

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

About 15,999 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is I-196 EB over Black River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 EB over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.