US Bridges

US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook

Fair

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · 0.55MI E of JCT W/RT8 N · Structure no. B030430AQDOTNBI

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,706
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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.

It carries about 1,706 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,685 by 2031. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 20 Chester Road
CrossesWater Walker Brook
Location0.55MI E of JCT W/RT8 N
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyBerkshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.2655, -73.03981
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,706 (2023)
Projected traffic2,685 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook carry?

About 1,706 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 Chester Road over Water Walker Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.