US Bridges

US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River

Fair

Bristol County, Massachusetts · .4 MI W of Nbed · Structure no. F010023PFDOTNBI

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
283 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River is a steel movable - swing carrying US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 125 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 32,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,269 by 2032. The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6 (drawbridge)
CrossesWater Acushnet River
Location.4 MI W of Nbed
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyBristol County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.63916, -70.91786
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.7 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length283 ft (86.3 m)
Longest span142 ft (43.3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,200 (2023)
Projected traffic28,269 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$18.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US 6 (drawbridge) 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River carry?

About 32,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River?

The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long with a longest span of 142 ft (43.3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 (drawbridge) over Water Acushnet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.