US Bridges

ST128 over Water Crane River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · 0.1 MI South of ST 35 · Structure no. D030192U1DOTNBI

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
68,680
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST128 over Water Crane River is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST128 over Water Crane River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 68,680 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 110,551 by 2031. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST128
CrossesWater Crane River
Location0.1 MI South of ST 35
RouteState Highway 128
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.55616, -70.93125
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating104.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width89 ft (27.1 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68,680 (2023)
Projected traffic110,551 by 2031
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$526,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST128 over Water Crane River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST128 over Water Crane 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does ST128 over Water Crane River carry?

About 68,680 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is ST128 over Water Crane River?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns ST128 over Water Crane River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.