US Bridges

Barters Island RD over Back River

Fair

Lincoln County, Maine · 1.4 MI E Townline · Structure no. 2039

Built
1983
42 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
287 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,370
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Barters Island RD over Back River is a steel movable - swing carrying Barters Island RD over Back River in Lincoln County, Maine. It was built in 1983 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 42 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 1,370 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,055 by 2036. The structure is 287 ft (87.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBarters Island RD
CrossesBack River
Location1.4 MI E Townline
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLincoln County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.88142, -69.67153
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length287 ft (87.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,370 (2016)
Projected traffic2,055 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Barters Island RD over Back River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Barters Island RD over Back River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Barters Island RD over Back River carry?

About 1,370 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Barters Island RD over Back River?

The structure is 287 ft (87.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Barters Island RD over Back River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.