US Bridges

I 90 over Water Blackstone River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .1 MI W of ST-146 · Structure no. M220314LWDOTNBI

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
130,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 90 over Water Blackstone River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I 90 over Water Blackstone River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 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 130,647 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 142,137 by 2032. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 90
CrossesWater Blackstone River
Location.1 MI W of ST-146
RouteInterstate 90
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.2095, -71.7825
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 protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130,647 (2023)
Projected traffic142,137 by 2032
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a toll 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$6.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 90 over Water Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 90 over Water Blackstone River 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 2023.

How much traffic does I 90 over Water Blackstone River carry?

About 130,647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I 90 over Water Blackstone River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns I 90 over Water Blackstone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.