US Bridges

I 495 NB over RR Pan Am

Poor

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.25 MI S of ST-38 · Structure no. L150862JPDOTNBI

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
176 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
64,233
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 NB over RR Pan Am is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 NB over RR Pan Am in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 64,233 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 210,047 by 2032. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI 495 NB
CrossesRR Pan Am
Location0.25 MI S of ST-38
RouteInterstate 495
Coordinates42.62452, -71.27723
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic64,233 (2018)
Projected traffic210,047 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$17.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 NB over RR Pan Am built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 495 NB over RR Pan Am 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I 495 NB over RR Pan Am carry?

About 64,233 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I 495 NB over RR Pan Am?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 NB over RR Pan Am?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.