US Bridges

I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River

Good

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Merrimac River · Structure no. A07016BHUDOTNBI

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
1,300 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
42,231
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River is a steel arch - thru carrying I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 42,231 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks. The structure is 1,300 ft (396.2 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesI 95 NB
CrossesWater Merrimack River
LocationAt Merrimac River
RouteInterstate 95
Coordinates42.83512, -70.91064
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,300 ft (396.2 m)
Longest span480 ft (146.3 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.1 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,231 (2024)
Projected traffic—
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$52.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River carry?

About 42,231 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River?

The structure is 1,300 ft (396.2 m) long with a longest span of 480 ft (146.3 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns I 95 NB over Water Merrimack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.