US Bridges

Main ST over Union River

Poor

Hancock County, Maine · .5 MI S of JCT US1A · Structure no. 2499

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
158 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,449
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main ST over Union River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Main ST over Union River in Hancock County, Maine. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 102 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 16,449 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,029 by 2036. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 77.1 mi (124 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain ST
CrossesUnion River
Location.5 MI S of JCT US1A
RouteState Highway 1
CountyHancock County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.54087, -68.42588
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,449 (2016)
Projected traffic23,029 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed77.1 mi (124 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 Main ST over Union River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Main ST over Union River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Main ST over Union River carry?

About 16,449 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Main ST over Union River?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Main ST over Union River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.