US Bridges

Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag

Fair

Penobscot County, Maine · 0.5 MI NW of JCT RTE 7 · Structure no. 2286

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,916
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag in Penobscot County, Maine. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 3,916 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,482 by 2036. The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

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CarriesDexter RD
CrossesLake Wassookeag
Location0.5 MI NW of JCT RTE 7
RouteState Highway 23
CountyPenobscot County
StateMaine
Coordinates45.03325, -69.29662
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length63 ft (19.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,916 (2016)
Projected traffic5,482 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag carry?

About 3,916 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag?

The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Dexter RD over Lake Wassookeag?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.