Athens RD over Higgins Brook
PoorSomerset County, Maine · 0.2 MI S JCT RTE 154 · Structure no. 5846
- Built
- 1959
- 66 years old, rebuilt 1989
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 77 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 1,320
- 2016 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Athens RD over Higgins Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Athens RD over Higgins Brook in Somerset County, Maine. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 66 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.
It carries about 1,320 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,980 by 2036. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Athens RD over Higgins Brook built?
It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.
What condition is Athens RD over Higgins Brook 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 July 2024.
How much traffic does Athens RD over Higgins Brook carry?
About 1,320 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is Athens RD over Higgins Brook?
The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.
Who owns Athens RD over Higgins Brook?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.