US Bridges

HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Shawsheen River · Structure no. A090032QKMUNNBI

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,319
2019 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 13,319 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,683 by 2032. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Central ST
CrossesWater Shawsheen River
LocationAt Shawsheen River
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64757, -71.15086
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,319 (2019)
Projected traffic18,683 by 2032
Trucks5%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River carry?

About 13,319 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Central ST over Water Shawsheen River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.