US Bridges

Bridge RD over Penobscot River

Fair

Penobscot County, Maine · Townline · Structure no. 3790

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
609 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
905
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bridge RD over Penobscot River is a steel truss - thru carrying Bridge RD over Penobscot River in Penobscot County, Maine. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 75 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 905 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,968 by 2036. The structure is 609 ft (185.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBridge RD
CrossesPenobscot River
LocationTownline
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPenobscot County
StateMaine
Coordinates45.43249, -68.45918
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length609 ft (185.6 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic905 (2018)
Projected traffic1,968 by 2036
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Bridge RD over Penobscot River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Bridge RD over Penobscot River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Bridge RD over Penobscot River carry?

About 905 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Bridge RD over Penobscot River?

The structure is 609 ft (185.6 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Bridge RD over Penobscot River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.