US Bridges

Memorial HWY over Royal River

Fair

Cumberland County, Maine · 1.5 MI Swly Pownal T.L. · Structure no. 5535

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete Continuous
Length
83 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,710
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Memorial HWY over Royal River is a concrete continuous frame carrying Memorial HWY over Royal River in Cumberland County, Maine. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,710 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,565 by 2036. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMemorial HWY
CrossesRoyal River
Location1.5 MI Swly Pownal T.L.
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyCumberland County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.85548, -70.21935
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,710 (2016)
Projected traffic2,565 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 Memorial HWY over Royal River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Memorial HWY over Royal 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Memorial HWY over Royal River carry?

About 1,710 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Memorial HWY over Royal River?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Memorial HWY over Royal River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.