US Bridges

Main ST over Damariscotta River

Fair

Lincoln County, Maine · Dam-Newcastle Tl · Structure no. 2215

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
168 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,450
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main ST over Damariscotta River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Main ST over Damariscotta River in Lincoln County, Maine. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 73 years old, older 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 5 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 14,450 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,230 by 2036. The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain ST
CrossesDamariscotta River
LocationDam-Newcastle Tl
RouteState Highway 1
CountyLincoln County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.03351, -69.53388
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length168 ft (51.2 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,450 (2016)
Projected traffic20,230 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Main ST over Damariscotta River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Main ST over Damariscotta 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Main ST over Damariscotta River carry?

About 14,450 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Main ST over Damariscotta River?

The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Main ST over Damariscotta River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.