US Bridges

HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.5 MI N Rt 20 · Structure no. M06010298DOTNBI

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,316
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB in Middlesex 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 5 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 5,316 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,425 by 2032. The structure is 79 ft (24.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Elm ST
CrossesI 495 SB
Location0.5 MI N Rt 20
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.34729, -71.5759
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length79 ft (24.2 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,316 (2021)
Projected traffic16,425 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB built?

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

What condition is HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB carry?

About 5,316 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB?

The structure is 79 ft (24.2 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Elm ST over I 495 SB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.