US Bridges

I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · Rt 495 at Rt 38 · Structure no. T030152JRDOTNBI

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
65,434
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST 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 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 65,434 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 184,778 by 2031. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 495 NB
CrossesST 38 Main ST
LocationRt 495 at Rt 38
RouteInterstate 495
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.62769, -71.27182
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating64.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,434 (2024)
Projected traffic184,778 by 2031
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST built?

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

What condition is I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST carry?

About 65,434 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 NB over ST 38 Main ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.