US Bridges

I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 3.0 MI S of South Haven · Structure no. 000000000010683

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,557
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 62 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 8,557 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,230 by 2018. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-196 NB
CrossesVan Buren Trail
Location3.0 MI S of South Haven
RouteInterstate 196
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.35811, -86.27804
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,557 (2007)
Projected traffic10,230 by 2018
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail carry?

About 8,557 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 NB over Van Buren Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.