US Bridges

M-43 over I-196

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · At M-43 · Structure no. 000000000010693

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
238 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,400
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-43 over I-196 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-43 over I-196 in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 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 8,400 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,325 by 2034. The structure is 238 ft (72.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-43
CrossesI-196
LocationAt M-43
RouteState Highway 43
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.38402, -86.25756
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length238 ft (72.6 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,400 (2014)
Projected traffic9,325 by 2034
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 M-43 over I-196 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is M-43 over I-196 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-43 over I-196 carry?

About 8,400 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is M-43 over I-196?

The structure is 238 ft (72.6 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns M-43 over I-196?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.