US Bridges

RTE 197 over I-95

Good

Kennebec County, Maine · 0.503 MI E Academy · Structure no. 0543

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
268 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,651
2016 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE 197 over I-95 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 197 over I-95 in Kennebec County, Maine. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 69 years old, older than the Maine average of 53.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,651 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,477 by 2036. The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 197
CrossesI-95
Location0.503 MI E Academy
RouteState Highway 197
CountyKennebec County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.13128, -69.95548
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length268 ft (81.7 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,651 (2016)
Projected traffic2,477 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 197 over I-95 built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is RTE 197 over I-95 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 197 over I-95 carry?

About 1,651 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 197 over I-95?

The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 197 over I-95?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.