US Bridges

I-196BLWB(PHOENIX) over I-196

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 0.5 MI E of South Haven · Structure no. 000000000010695

Built
1963
62 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-196BLWB(PHOENIX) over I-196 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196BLWB(PHOENIX) over I-196 in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2008, 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 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 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196BLWB(PHOENIX)
CrossesI-196
Location0.5 MI E of South Haven
RouteInterstate 196
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.40357, -86.25225
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 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 span80 ft (24.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,370 (2007)
Projected traffic22,322 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

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

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

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

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.