US Bridges

Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal

PoorPosted for load

Barnstable County, Massachusetts · Junct Ma Rtes 25 28 & 6 · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510001

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
2,384 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,240
2019 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal is a steel arch - thru carrying Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 90 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 44,240 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 79,000 by 2042. The structure is 2,384 ft (726.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesMa Route 28
CrossesCape Cod Canal
LocationJunct Ma Rtes 25 28 & 6
RouteState Highway 28
CountyBarnstable County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.77622, -70.54364
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating23.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,384 ft (726.6 m)
Longest span616 ft (187.7 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,240 (2019)
Projected traffic79,000 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal carry?

About 44,240 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal?

The structure is 2,384 ft (726.6 m) long with a longest span of 616 ft (187.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Ma Route 28 over Cape Cod Canal?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).