US Bridges

ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · 0.3 MI E of ST-97/1A · Structure no. B110112TYDOTNBI

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
72,449
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 77 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 5 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 72,449 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,427 by 2032. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 102 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST128
CrossesComb MBTA & Tozer RD
Location0.3 MI E of ST-97/1A
RouteState Highway 128
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.57533, -70.88503
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width102 ft (31.1 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72,449 (2018)
Projected traffic72,427 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$11.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD carry?

About 72,449 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 102 ft wide.

Who owns ST128 over Comb MBTA & Tozer RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.