US Bridges

Ma Route 3 over Cape Cod Canal

FairPosted for load

Barnstable County, Massachusetts · Junction Ma Rtes 3 & 6 · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510002

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
1,408 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
61,701
2019 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Ma Route 3 over Cape Cod Canal is a steel arch - thru carrying Ma Route 3 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 61,701 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 80,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,408 ft (429.1 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMa Route 3
CrossesCape Cod Canal
LocationJunction Ma Rtes 3 & 6
RouteState Highway 6
CountyBarnstable County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.77622, -70.54364
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,408 ft (429.1 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 traffic61,701 (2019)
Projected traffic80,000 by 2040
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$5 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ma Route 3 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 3 over Cape Cod Canal 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Ma Route 3 over Cape Cod Canal carry?

About 61,701 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Ma Route 3 over Cape Cod Canal?

The structure is 1,408 ft (429.1 m) long with a longest span of 616 ft (187.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Ma Route 3 over Cape Cod Canal?

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