US Bridges

HWY Elm ST over Water Back River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Back River · Structure no. A070062PDMUNNBI

Built
1860
165 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,200
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Elm ST over Water Back River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Elm ST over Water Back River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1860, so it is 165 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 6 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 9,200 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,794 by 2031. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Elm ST
CrossesWater Back River
LocationAt Back River
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.85865, -70.92811
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating109 US tons
Inventory rating108.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,200 (2020)
Projected traffic18,794 by 2031
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$488,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Elm ST over Water Back River built?

It was built in 1860, making it 165 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Elm ST over Water Back 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Elm ST over Water Back River carry?

About 9,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY Elm ST over Water Back River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Elm ST over Water Back River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.