I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River
PoorEssex County, Massachusetts · At Methuen Town Line · Structure no. H120402WLDOTNBI
- Built
- 1964
- 61 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected November 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 946 ft
- 7 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 60,056
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.
It carries about 60,056 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 133,609 by 2031. The structure is 946 ft (288.4 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River built?
It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.
What condition is I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.
How much traffic does I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River carry?
About 60,056 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.
How long is I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River?
The structure is 946 ft (288.4 m) long with a longest span of 193 ft (58.8 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.
Who owns I 495 NB over Water Merrimack River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.