US Bridges

ST128 over Water Porter River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · 1000 Ft N of ST-35 · Structure no. D030222U4DOTNBI

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
73,898
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST128 over Water Porter River is a concrete slab carrying ST128 over Water Porter River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 73,898 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 127,134 by 2031. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST128
CrossesWater Porter River
Location1000 Ft N of ST-35
RouteState Highway 128
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.56015, -70.9268
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating97.6 US tons
Inventory rating58.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73,898 (2019)
Projected traffic127,134 by 2031
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST128 over Water Porter River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST128 over Water Porter 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 2024.

How much traffic does ST128 over Water Porter River carry?

About 73,898 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is ST128 over Water Porter River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns ST128 over Water Porter River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.