US Bridges

I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave

Poor

Essex County, Massachusetts · .5 MI S Merrimac River · Structure no. N150152XJDOTNBI

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
112 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
124,334
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1987, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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.

It carries about 124,334 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 149,560 by 2033. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 119 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 495
CrossesHWY Massachusetts Ave
Location.5 MI S Merrimac River
RouteInterstate 495
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.69766, -71.14208
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width119 ft (36.3 m)
Roadway width113 ft (34.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic124,334 (2022)
Projected traffic149,560 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$9.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave carry?

About 124,334 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 119 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 over HWY Massachusetts Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.