US Bridges

HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Merrimack River · Structure no. A070102Y9DOTNBI

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
427 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River is a steel movable - swing carrying HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 175 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 16,700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,217 by 2030. The structure is 427 ft (130.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Main ST
CrossesWater Merrimack River
LocationAt Merrimack River
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.83538, -70.90743
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.4 US tons
Inventory rating9.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length427 ft (130.2 m)
Longest span162 ft (49.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,700 (2021)
Projected traffic29,217 by 2030
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$13.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River carry?

About 16,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River?

The structure is 427 ft (130.2 m) long with a longest span of 162 ft (49.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Main ST over Water Merrimack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.