US Bridges

I 90 over Water French River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · Mm 87.6 · Structure no. O060514M5DOTNBI

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
104,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 90 over Water French River is a concrete arch - deck carrying I 90 over Water French 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 104,900 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 150,064 by 2031. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesI 90
CrossesWater French River
LocationMm 87.6
RouteInterstate 90
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.18194, -71.89625
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic104,900 (2023)
Projected traffic150,064 by 2031
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$5.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 90 over Water French River built?

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

What condition is I 90 over Water French 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 September 2024.

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

About 104,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I 90 over Water French River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I 90 over Water French River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.