US Bridges

Union ST over Broad ST

Fair

Penobscot County, Maine · 1 MI N of I-395 · Structure no. 5312

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,411 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,431
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union ST over Broad ST is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Union ST over Broad ST in Penobscot County, Maine. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 70 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 14,431 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,203 by 2036. The structure is 1,411 ft (430.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUnion ST
CrossesBroad ST
Location1 MI N of I-395
RouteState Highway 1
CountyPenobscot County
StateMaine
Coordinates44.79623, -68.76814
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,411 ft (430.1 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,431 (2016)
Projected traffic20,203 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Union ST over Broad ST built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Union ST over Broad ST 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 Union ST over Broad ST carry?

About 14,431 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Union ST over Broad ST?

The structure is 1,411 ft (430.1 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Union ST over Broad ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.