US Bridges

I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · I 290/RR & 4 City Sts · Structure no. W440821T8DOTNBI

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,555 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
76,700
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 67 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 5 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 76,700 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 173,723 by 2031. The structure is 1,555 ft (474 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 290 WB
CrossesComb 4 City Sts & CSX
LocationI 290/RR & 4 City Sts
RouteInterstate 290
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.26003, -71.79359
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,555 ft (474 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.3 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic76,700 (2017)
Projected traffic173,723 by 2031
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$80 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX 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 2024.

How much traffic does I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX carry?

About 76,700 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX?

The structure is 1,555 ft (474 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns I 290 WB over Comb 4 City Sts & CSX?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.