US Bridges

I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · Next to I495 · Structure no. L040382X2DOTNBI

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,940
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River is a concrete culvert carrying I 495 Rp M&merrk S 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 16,940 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,062 by 2032. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 650 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI 495 Rp M&merrk S
CrossesWater Shawsheen River
LocationNext to I495
RouteInterstate 495
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.70465, -71.14027
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width650 ft (198.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,940 (2019)
Projected traffic44,062 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$665,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River built?

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

What condition is I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River carry?

About 16,940 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 650 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 Rp M&merrk S over Water Shawsheen River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.