US Bridges

HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At Ipswich Line · Structure no. H030032PJMUNNBI

Built
1833
192 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,100
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1833 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 192 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 4,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,054 by 2032. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Highland ST
CrossesWater Ipswich River
LocationAt Ipswich Line
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.6583, -70.86195
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,100 (2017)
Projected traffic5,054 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River built?

It was built in 1833, making it 192 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich 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 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River carry?

About 4,100 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Highland ST over Water Ipswich River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.