US Bridges

HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond

Fair

Barnstable County, Massachusetts · 3.2 MI SW of Rt 28-W.HOLE · Structure no. F0300543EMUNNBI

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,750
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond is a steel movable - bascule carrying HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 85 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 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 6,750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,339 by 2032. The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Water ST
CrossesWater Eel Pond
Location3.2 MI SW of Rt 28-W.HOLE
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBarnstable County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.5243, -70.67027
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.6 US tons
Inventory rating45.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length56 ft (17 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,750 (2023)
Projected traffic8,339 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond carry?

About 6,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond?

The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Water ST over Water Eel Pond?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.