US Bridges

Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB

Poor

Kent County, Rhode Island · 1.0 MI W of JCT US 1 · Structure no. 000000000006850

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
200 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,979
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB in Kent County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 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 7,979 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,575 by 2036. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCowesett RD
CrossesI-95 NB & SB
Location1.0 MI W of JCT US 1
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKent County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.6852, -71.47736
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,979 (2014)
Projected traffic9,575 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$12.4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB carry?

About 7,979 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Cowesett RD over I-95 NB & SB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.