US Bridges

I 290 over Water Kettle Brook

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · I-290 Mm 14.8 · Structure no. A170521R2DOTNBI

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
94,134
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 290 over Water Kettle Brook is a concrete culvert carrying I 290 over Water Kettle Brook in Worcester 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 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 94,134 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 154,771 by 2032. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 290
CrossesWater Kettle Brook
LocationI-290 Mm 14.8
RouteInterstate 290
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.2261, -71.82642
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic94,134 (2023)
Projected traffic154,771 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 290 over Water Kettle Brook built?

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

What condition is I 290 over Water Kettle Brook 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I 290 over Water Kettle Brook carry?

About 94,134 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I 290 over Water Kettle Brook?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns I 290 over Water Kettle Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.