US Bridges

ST128 over RR MBTA

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · .7 MI N Washington Circle · Structure no. G050232UBDOTNBI

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,500
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST128 over RR MBTA is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST128 over RR MBTA in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 75 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 23,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,429 by 2032. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST128
CrossesRR MBTA
Location.7 MI N Washington Circle
RouteState Highway 128
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.62464, -70.66433
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.1 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.7 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,500 (2017)
Projected traffic37,429 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$53,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST128 over RR MBTA built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is ST128 over RR MBTA 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does ST128 over RR MBTA carry?

About 23,500 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is ST128 over RR MBTA?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns ST128 over RR MBTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.