US Bridges

Pierce RD over Prestile Stream

Fair

Aroostook County, Maine · 0.6 MI E JCT Houlton Road · Structure no. 3953

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pierce RD over Prestile Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pierce RD over Prestile Stream in Aroostook County, Maine. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2036. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPierce RD
CrossesPrestile Stream
Location0.6 MI E JCT Houlton Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAroostook County
StateMaine
Coordinates46.49569, -67.84528
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2016)
Projected traffic400 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pierce RD over Prestile Stream built?

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

What condition is Pierce RD over Prestile Stream 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pierce RD over Prestile Stream carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pierce RD over Prestile Stream?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Pierce RD over Prestile Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.