US Bridges

Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook

Good

Aroostook County, Maine · 3.5 MI SE of Sweden Road · Structure no. 6451

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,880
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook in Aroostook County, Maine. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 years old, younger than the Maine average of 53.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,880 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,820 by 2036. The structure is 72 ft (22 m) long and 48 ft wide.

CarriesCaribou Connector
CrossesLongfellow Brook
Location3.5 MI SE of Sweden Road
RouteState Highway 161
StateMaine
Coordinates46.86923, -67.99711
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length72 ft (22 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,880 (2016)
Projected traffic2,820 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook carry?

About 1,880 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook?

The structure is 72 ft (22 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Caribou Connector over Longfellow Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.