US Bridges

US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River

Fair

Bristol County, Massachusetts · At Taunton Tl · Structure no. R020093P9DOTNBI

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,544
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton 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 19,544 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,799 by 2032. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 44 Cape HWY
CrossesWater Taunton River
LocationAt Taunton Tl
RouteU.S. Route 44
Coordinates41.90322, -70.9958
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 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 rating100.4 US tons
Inventory rating60.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,544 (2019)
Projected traffic42,799 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River built?

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

What condition is US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River carry?

About 19,544 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 44 Cape HWY over Water Taunton River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.