US Bridges

I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 0.5 MI E of South Haven · Structure no. 000000000010694

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
239 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,370
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196 in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2008, 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 5,370 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,322 by 2018. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-196BLEB(PHOENIX)
CrossesI-196
Location0.5 MI E of South Haven
RouteInterstate 196
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.40356, -86.25259
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,370 (2007)
Projected traffic22,322 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) 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 I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196 carry?

About 5,370 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns I-196BLEB(PHOENIX) over I-196?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.