US Bridges

Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River

Poor

Kennebec County, Maine · 0.7 MI E Rt 32 · Structure no. 0500

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
206
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River in Kennebec County, Maine. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 206 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 330 by 2036. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChoate RD
CrossesW Br Sheepscot River
Location0.7 MI E Rt 32
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKennebec County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.33607, -69.56809
Functional classRural Local

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic206 (2016)
Projected traffic330 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River carry?

About 206 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Choate RD over W Br Sheepscot River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.