US Bridges

HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA

Poor

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · .2 MI S of ST RTE 2A · Structure no. B160524FEDOTNBI

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
359 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
55,075
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 55,075 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 82,282 by 2031. The structure is 359 ft (109.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Bowker Int
CrossesComb I 90 & MBTA
Location.2 MI S of ST RTE 2A
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.34777, -71.09236
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.3 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+14 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length359 ft (109.4 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55,075 (2023)
Projected traffic82,282 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$14.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA carry?

About 55,075 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA?

The structure is 359 ft (109.4 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Bowker Int over Comb I 90 & MBTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.