US Bridges

HWY Elm ST over I 495

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · 0.5 MI N of Exit 55 · Structure no. A070272YBDOTNBI

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
265 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Elm ST over I 495 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Elm ST over I 495 in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,415 by 2031. The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Elm ST
CrossesI 495
Location0.5 MI N of Exit 55
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.85086, -70.91198
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length265 ft (80.8 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,500 (2020)
Projected traffic18,415 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$12.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Elm ST over I 495 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Elm ST over I 495 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Elm ST over I 495 carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Elm ST over I 495?

The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Elm ST over I 495?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.