US Bridges

Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor

Fair

Knox County, Maine · Atlantic Ocean · Structure no. 6351

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
528
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor is a steel movable - bascule carrying Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor in Knox County, Maine. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 years old, younger 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 528 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 845 by 2036. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

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CarriesVinalhaven Ferry
CrossesCarvers Harbor
LocationAtlantic Ocean
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKnox County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.0437, -68.83971
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic528 (2016)
Projected traffic845 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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 Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor carry?

About 528 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Vinalhaven Ferry over Carvers Harbor?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.