US Bridges

Airline RD over West Branch Union River

Fair

Hancock County, Maine · 0.7 MI W of JCT RTE 181 · Structure no. 3138

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
127 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,693
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Airline RD over West Branch Union River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Airline RD over West Branch Union River in Hancock County, Maine. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 3,693 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,170 by 2036. The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAirline RD
CrossesWest Branch Union River
Location0.7 MI W of JCT RTE 181
RouteState Highway 9
CountyHancock County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.82728, -68.37571
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length127 ft (38.6 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,693 (2016)
Projected traffic5,170 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Airline RD over West Branch Union River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Airline RD over West Branch Union 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 Airline RD over West Branch Union River carry?

About 3,693 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Airline RD over West Branch Union River?

The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Airline RD over West Branch Union River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.