US Bridges

I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 2.6 Mm Post · Structure no. A170321R1DOTNBI

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
116 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50,331
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2004, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 50,331 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 67,910 by 2032. The structure is 116 ft (35.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 290 WB
CrossesHWY Sword ST
Location2.6 Mm Post
RouteInterstate 290
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.22249, -71.82738
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length116 ft (35.5 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,331 (2025)
Projected traffic67,910 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is I 290 WB over HWY Sword 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST carry?

About 50,331 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST?

The structure is 116 ft (35.5 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns I 290 WB over HWY Sword ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.