US Bridges

Back RD over Piscataquis River

PoorPosted for load

Piscataquis County, Maine · 0.3 MI E of JCT RTE 6 · Structure no. 3507

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
277
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Back RD over Piscataquis River is a steel truss - thru carrying Back RD over Piscataquis River in Piscataquis County, Maine. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Maine average of 53.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 277 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 443 by 2036. The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBack RD
CrossesPiscataquis River
Location0.3 MI E of JCT RTE 6
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPiscataquis County
StateMaine
Coordinates45.18654, -69.44706
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length101 ft (30.7 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic277 (2016)
Projected traffic443 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Back RD over Piscataquis River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Back RD over Piscataquis River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Back RD over Piscataquis River carry?

About 277 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Back RD over Piscataquis River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Back RD over Piscataquis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.