US Bridges

HWY School ST over RR MBTA

PoorPosted for load

Essex County, Massachusetts · .1 MI West ST 1A · Structure no. B11002324DOT634

Built
1871
154 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,232
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY School ST over RR MBTA is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying HWY School ST over RR MBTA in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1871, so it is 154 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,232 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,330 by 2031. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY School ST
CrossesRR MBTA
Location.1 MI West ST 1A
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.54343, -70.88663
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.5 US tons
Inventory rating14.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,232 (2018)
Projected traffic4,330 by 2031
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY School ST over RR MBTA built?

It was built in 1871, making it 154 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY School ST over RR MBTA in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does HWY School ST over RR MBTA carry?

About 3,232 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is HWY School ST over RR MBTA?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns HWY School ST over RR MBTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.