US Bridges

Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet

Fair

Hancock County, Maine · .8 MI S JCT 172 · Structure no. 5038

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,867
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet in Hancock County, Maine. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 99 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 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 1,867 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,801 by 2036. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFalls Bridge Road
CrossesSalt Pond Outlet
Location.8 MI S JCT 172
RouteCounty Highway 175
CountyHancock County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.37391, -68.55932
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,867 (2016)
Projected traffic2,801 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet carry?

About 1,867 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Falls Bridge Road over Salt Pond Outlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.