US Bridges

Lower Main ST over M C RR

Poor

Cumberland County, Maine · 0.9 MI N of JCT Desert RD · Structure no. 3172

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,879
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lower Main ST over M C RR is a concrete frame carrying Lower Main ST over M C RR in Cumberland County, Maine. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Maine average of 53.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 12,879 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,031 by 2036. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLower Main ST
CrossesM C RR
Location0.9 MI N of JCT Desert RD
RouteCounty Highway 1
CountyCumberland County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.85299, -70.10883
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,879 (2016)
Projected traffic18,031 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Main ST over M C RR built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lower Main ST over M C RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Lower Main ST over M C RR carry?

About 12,879 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Lower Main ST over M C RR?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Main ST over M C RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.