US Bridges

Messengers Bridge over Little River

Fair

York County, Maine · 3.5 MI NE JCT 9 · Structure no. 1220

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
98 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,701
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Messengers Bridge over Little River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Messengers Bridge over Little River in York County, Maine. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 6 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 3,701 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,181 by 2036. The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMessengers Bridge
CrossesLittle River
Location3.5 MI NE JCT 9
RouteCity Street 0
CountyYork County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.31853, -70.86477
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (30 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,701 (2016)
Projected traffic5,181 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Messengers Bridge over Little River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Messengers Bridge over Little 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Messengers Bridge over Little River carry?

About 3,701 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Messengers Bridge over Little River?

The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Messengers Bridge over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.