US Bridges

Old Route 8 over Farmington River

Fair

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · 6.44 KM N of Colebrook Ma · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510019

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
136 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Old Route 8 over Farmington River is a steel truss - thru carrying Old Route 8 over Farmington River in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2042. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Route 8
CrossesFarmington River
Location6.44 KM N of Colebrook Ma
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyBerkshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.07053, -73.0619
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span136 ft (41.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$318,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Route 8 over Farmington River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Route 8 over Farmington 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 2023.

How much traffic does Old Route 8 over Farmington River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Old Route 8 over Farmington River?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 136 ft (41.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Old Route 8 over Farmington River?

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