US Bridges

US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River

Fair

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · 0.3MI S of RTE102/DWNTWN · Structure no. S2600109UDOTNBI

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,299
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 12,299 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,899 by 2032. The structure is 106 ft (32.4 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 7 South ST
CrossesWater Housatonic River
Location0.3MI S of RTE102/DWNTWN
RouteU.S. Route 7
CountyBerkshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.27909, -73.31407
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating22.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length106 ft (32.4 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.2 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,299 (2015)
Projected traffic19,899 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$5.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River carry?

About 12,299 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River?

The structure is 106 ft (32.4 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.2 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns US 7 South ST over Water Housatonic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.