US Bridges

ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk

Fair

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · 0.5 MI E of Orchard RD · Structure no. D010190B6DOTNBI

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,875
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 4,875 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,791 by 2032. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesST 9 /ST8A/NORTH
CrossesWater Wahconah Falls Brk
Location0.5 MI E of Orchard RD
RouteState Highway 9
CountyBerkshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.48722, -73.13167
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,875 (2021)
Projected traffic6,791 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$731,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk carry?

About 4,875 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns ST 9 /ST8A/NORTH over Water Wahconah Falls Brk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.