US Bridges

HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River

Fair

Bristol County, Massachusetts · At New Bedford Line · Structure no. F010013JBMUNNBI

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,380
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, younger 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 15,380 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,958 by 2031. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Howland RD
CrossesWater Acushnet River
LocationAt New Bedford Line
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBristol County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.65613, -70.91723
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,380 (2023)
Projected traffic48,958 by 2031
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$7.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River carry?

About 15,380 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Howland RD over Water Acushnet River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.