US Bridges

I 290 over Water Middle River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .1M S of Cambridge St. · Structure no. W441101RUDOTNBI

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
43,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 290 over Water Middle River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I 290 over Water Middle River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 43,750 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 157,930 by 2032. The structure is 56 ft (17.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 290
CrossesWater Middle River
Location.1M S of Cambridge St.
RouteInterstate 290
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.24258, -71.80948
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.2 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 traffic43,750 (2022)
Projected traffic157,930 by 2032
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$4.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 290 over Water Middle River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 290 over Water Middle 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I 290 over Water Middle River carry?

About 43,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I 290 over Water Middle River?

The structure is 56 ft (17.2 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns I 290 over Water Middle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.