HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River
FairEssex County, Massachusetts · At Merrimac River · Structure no. L04003317DOTNBI
- Built
- 1888
- 137 years old, rebuilt 2012
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected January 2023
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
- Length
- 610 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 24,050
- 2019 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1888 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 137 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 24,050 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,800 by 2031. The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River built?
It was built in 1888, making it 137 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.
What condition is HWY Union 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 January 2023.
How much traffic does HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River carry?
About 24,050 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River?
The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.
Who owns HWY Union ST over Water Merrimack River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.