US Bridges

ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Merrimac River · Structure no. G15001B6KDOTNBI

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
776 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,246
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River is a steel movable - bascule carrying ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger 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 17,246 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks. The structure is 776 ft (236.4 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesST 97 /ST113/LNCLN
CrossesWater Merrimack River
LocationAt Merrimac River
RouteState Highway 97
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.76403, -71.03417
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating86.1 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length776 ft (236.4 m)
Longest span169 ft (51.5 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,246 (2018)
Projected traffic—
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$7.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River carry?

About 17,246 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River?

The structure is 776 ft (236.4 m) long with a longest span of 169 ft (51.5 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns ST 97 /ST113/LNCLN over Water Merrimack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.