US Bridges

US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook

Fair

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · At White RD Int · Structure no. N050060A3DOTNBI

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,849
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook is a concrete slab carrying US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 4,849 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,476 by 2032. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 7 New Ashford
CrossesWater Thompson Brook
LocationAt White RD Int
RouteU.S. Route 7
CountyBerkshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.6253, -73.23061
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,849 (2019)
Projected traffic12,476 by 2032
Trucks10%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook carry?

About 4,849 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 7 New Ashford over Water Thompson Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.