US Bridges

Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows

Fair

Lincoln County, Maine · Townline · Structure no. 3180

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
680 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,490
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows in Lincoln County, Maine. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 1,490 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,235 by 2036. The structure is 680 ft (207.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain RD
CrossesCowsweag Narrows
LocationTownline
RouteCounty Highway 144
CountyLincoln County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.97298, -69.6738
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length680 ft (207.4 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,490 (2016)
Projected traffic2,235 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows carry?

About 1,490 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows?

The structure is 680 ft (207.4 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Main RD over Cowsweag Narrows?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.