US Bridges

Heald HWY over ST George River

Poor

Knox County, Maine · 0.2 MI W of Route 235 · Structure no. 5893

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,940
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Heald HWY over ST George River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Heald HWY over ST George River in Knox County, Maine. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6,940 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,716 by 2036. The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHeald HWY
CrossesST George River
Location0.2 MI W of Route 235
RouteState Highway 17
CountyKnox County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.21685, -69.27816
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (55 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,940 (2016)
Projected traffic9,716 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Heald HWY over ST George River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Heald HWY over ST George 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Heald HWY over ST George River carry?

About 6,940 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Heald HWY over ST George River?

The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Heald HWY over ST George River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.