US Bridges

I 95 NB over Birch Stream

Fair

Penobscot County, Maine · Alton-Argyle Tl · Structure no. 1423

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,610
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 95 NB over Birch Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 95 NB over Birch Stream in Penobscot County, Maine. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 54 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 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 4,610 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,454 by 2036. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 95 NB
CrossesBirch Stream
LocationAlton-Argyle Tl
RouteState Highway 95
CountyPenobscot County
StateMaine
Coordinates45.02314, -68.69611
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,610 (2016)
Projected traffic6,454 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 95 NB over Birch Stream built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is I 95 NB over Birch Stream 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I 95 NB over Birch Stream carry?

About 4,610 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is I 95 NB over Birch Stream?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I 95 NB over Birch Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.