US Bridges

Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River

Fair

Cumberland County, Maine · Portland - S Portland Tl · Structure no. 5900

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
4,748 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,893
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River in Cumberland County, Maine. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 6 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 14,893 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,850 by 2036. The structure is 4,748 ft (1,447.2 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCasco Bay Bridge
CrossesFore River
LocationPortland - S Portland Tl
RouteState Highway 77
CountyCumberland County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.64504, -70.25789
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+29 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length4,748 ft (1,447.2 m)
Longest span287 ft (87.5 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.2 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,893 (2016)
Projected traffic20,850 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Casco Bay Bridge 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River carry?

About 14,893 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River?

The structure is 4,748 ft (1,447.2 m) long with a longest span of 287 ft (87.5 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns Casco Bay Bridge over Fore River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.