US Bridges

Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan)

Fair

York County, Maine · Biddeford-Saco T L · Structure no. 2265

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
318 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,908
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan) in York County, Maine. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 92 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 14,908 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,871 by 2036. The structure is 318 ft (97 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElm ST
CrossesSaco River (n of E Chan)
LocationBiddeford-Saco T L
RouteState Highway 1
CountyYork County
StateMaine
Coordinates43.49875, -70.4514
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length318 ft (97 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,908 (2016)
Projected traffic20,871 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan) built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan) 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan) carry?

About 14,908 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan)?

The structure is 318 ft (97 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Elm ST over Saco River (n of E Chan)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.