US Bridges

I 495 over Water Shawsheen River

Good

Essex County, Massachusetts · 1 KM N ST114 · Structure no. L040362X5DOTNBI

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
110,687
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 over Water Shawsheen River is a concrete culvert carrying I 495 over Water Shawsheen River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 110,687 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 142,137 by 2031. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesI 495
CrossesWater Shawsheen River
Location1 KM N ST114
RouteInterstate 495
Coordinates42.69404, -71.14232
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110,687 (2024)
Projected traffic142,137 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 over Water Shawsheen River built?

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

What condition is I 495 over Water Shawsheen 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I 495 over Water Shawsheen River carry?

About 110,687 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I 495 over Water Shawsheen River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns I 495 over Water Shawsheen River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.