US Bridges

Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O)

Fair

Lincoln County, Maine · 0.5 MI S Barters Is Road · Structure no. 5774

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
590
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O) in Lincoln County, Maine. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 590 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 944 by 2036. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 29 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSawyer Island RD
CrossesBack River (atlantic O)
Location0.5 MI S Barters Is Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLincoln County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.87371, -69.66891
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2016)
Projected traffic944 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O) built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O) 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O) carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O)?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Sawyer Island RD over Back River (atlantic O)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.