US Bridges

US 44 Cape HWY over Water Forge River

Good

Bristol County, Massachusetts · .3 MI E of Taunton C.L. · Structure no. R020103PBDOTNBI

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,357
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 44 Cape HWY over Water Forge River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 44 Cape HWY over Water Forge River in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2003, 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 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 24,357 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,329 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 44 Cape HWY
CrossesWater Forge River
Location.3 MI E of Taunton C.L.
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyBristol County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.90498, -71.05971
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating94.7 US tons
Inventory rating56.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,357 (2023)
Projected traffic60,329 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$712,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is US 44 Cape HWY over Water Forge River 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 September 2023.

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

About 24,357 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

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

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns US 44 Cape HWY over Water Forge River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.