US Bridges

HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · At West Newbury Merrimac · Structure no. H12020311DOTNBI

Built
1883
142 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
812 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,534
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River is a steel movable - swing carrying HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1883 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 142 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 8,534 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,265 by 2032. The structure is 812 ft (247.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY East Main ST
CrossesWater Merrimack River
LocationAt West Newbury Merrimac
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.81073, -70.99978
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length812 ft (247.5 m)
Longest span192 ft (58.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,534 (2023)
Projected traffic10,265 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$42.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River built?

It was built in 1883, making it 142 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is HWY East Main ST 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River carry?

About 8,534 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River?

The structure is 812 ft (247.5 m) long with a longest span of 192 ft (58.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns HWY East Main ST over Water Merrimack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.