US Bridges

Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River

Fair

Aroostook County, Maine · 1.5 MI N of Caribou · Structure no. 2490

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,112
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River in Aroostook County, Maine. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Maine average of 53.7 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 2,112 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,957 by 2036. The structure is 153 ft (46.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

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CarriesVan Buren RD
CrossesLittle Madawaska River
Location1.5 MI N of Caribou
RouteState Highway 1
CountyAroostook County
StateMaine
Coordinates46.97825, -68.03538
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.5 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,112 (2016)
Projected traffic2,957 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River carry?

About 2,112 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River?

The structure is 153 ft (46.5 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Van Buren RD over Little Madawaska River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.