US Bridges

I 290 over Water Assabet River

Good

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · MM30.8 E of Slmn Pd RD · Structure no. M060141TUDOTNBI

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75,828
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 290 over Water Assabet River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I 290 over Water Assabet River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 75,828 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 114,700 by 2032. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesI 290
CrossesWater Assabet River
LocationMM30.8 E of Slmn Pd RD
RouteInterstate 290
Coordinates42.3525, -71.61396
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating44.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75,828 (2022)
Projected traffic114,700 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 290 over Water Assabet River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 290 over Water Assabet River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does I 290 over Water Assabet River carry?

About 75,828 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I 290 over Water Assabet River?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns I 290 over Water Assabet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.