US Bridges

Congress ST over Fore River

Fair

Cumberland County, Maine · 0.8 MI NE of SW JCT 9&22 · Structure no. 3486

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,598
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Congress ST over Fore River is a concrete slab carrying Congress ST over Fore River in Cumberland County, Maine. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 88 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 24,598 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,437 by 2036. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCongress ST
CrossesFore River
Location0.8 MI NE of SW JCT 9&22
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCumberland County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.65881, -70.31104
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,598 (2016)
Projected traffic34,437 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Congress ST over Fore River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Congress ST over Fore 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Congress ST over Fore River carry?

About 24,598 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Congress ST over Fore River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Congress ST over Fore River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.