US Bridges

HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River

FairPosted for load

Barnstable County, Massachusetts · 0.6 Mi. N of Rte. 28 · Structure no. H1001143QMUNNBI

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
647
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 647 vehicles a day, projected to reach 711 by 2031. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Bells Nck RD
CrossesWater Herring River
Location0.6 Mi. N of Rte. 28
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBarnstable County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.67916, -70.11603
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic647 (2024)
Projected traffic711 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River carry?

About 647 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Bells Nck RD over Water Herring River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.