US Bridges

Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River

Good

Penobscot County, Maine · 1.7 Mi.W. Townline · Structure no. 3666

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
388 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
851
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River in Penobscot County, Maine. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger than the Maine average of 53.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 851 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,362 by 2036. The structure is 388 ft (118.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesPoplar ST
CrossesW Branch Penobscot River
Location1.7 Mi.W. Townline
RouteState Highway 11
CountyPenobscot County
StateMaine
Coordinates45.63713, -68.77351
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length388 ft (118.4 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic851 (2016)
Projected traffic1,362 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River carry?

About 851 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River?

The structure is 388 ft (118.4 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Poplar ST over W Branch Penobscot River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.