US Bridges

ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River

Fair

Bristol County, Massachusetts · 1.5 Mi. N of Center St. · Structure no. D080183WDDOTNBI

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,905
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River is a concrete tee beam carrying ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 15,905 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,109 by 2032. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST138 Somerset Av
CrossesWater Three Mile River
Location1.5 Mi. N of Center St.
RouteState Highway 138
CountyBristol County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.85549, -71.11544
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,905 (2023)
Projected traffic16,109 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River carry?

About 15,905 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns ST138 Somerset Av over Water Three Mile River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.