US Bridges

I-95 over Piscataqua River

Fair

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · I-95 at Maine State Line · Structure no. 021702580012800

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,344 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
74,766
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-95 over Piscataqua River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying I-95 over Piscataqua River in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, younger than the New Hampshire average of 56.9 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 74,766 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 110,653 by 2043. The structure is 1,344 ft (409.7 m) long and 105 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-95
CrossesPiscataqua River
LocationI-95 at Maine State Line
RouteInterstate 95
CountyRockingham County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.09254, -70.76698
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,344 ft (409.7 m)
Longest span756 ft (230.4 m)
Deck width105 ft (31.9 m)
Roadway width98 ft (29.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic74,766 (2023)
Projected traffic110,653 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$314,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-95 over Piscataqua River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-95 over Piscataqua 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I-95 over Piscataqua River carry?

About 74,766 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I-95 over Piscataqua River?

The structure is 1,344 ft (409.7 m) long with a longest span of 756 ft (230.4 m) and a deck 105 ft wide.

Who owns I-95 over Piscataqua River?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.