US Bridges

Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River

Fair

Hancock County, Maine · Mariavle-Waltham Tl · Structure no. 3238

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
515
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River in Hancock County, Maine. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 515 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 824 by 2036. The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTourtelotte Ridge
CrossesUnion River
LocationMariavle-Waltham Tl
RouteCounty Highway 179
CountyHancock County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.74902, -68.32174
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.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.5 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic515 (2016)
Projected traffic824 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tourtelotte Ridge over 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River carry?

About 515 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River?

The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Tourtelotte Ridge over Union River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.