US Bridges

HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal

Good

Bristol County, Massachusetts · .25 MI W of RTE 152 · Structure no. A160733HXMUNNBI

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,620
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 104 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,620 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,528 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Mechanics ST
CrossesWater Canal
Location.25 MI W of RTE 152
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBristol County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.94426, -71.29059
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,620 (2023)
Projected traffic5,528 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$883,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal carry?

About 3,620 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Mechanics ST over Water Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.