US Bridges

I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · .4 MI N Merrimac River · Structure no. L040402XADOTNBI

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60,077
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 60,077 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 132,661 by 2032. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 495 SB
CrossesHWY Commonwealth DR
Location.4 MI N Merrimac River
RouteInterstate 495
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.71389, -71.13743
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60,077 (2023)
Projected traffic132,661 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR carry?

About 60,077 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 SB over HWY Commonwealth DR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.