HWY Union ST over Water North Canal
PoorEssex County, Massachusetts · .32 KM North Merrimac R · Structure no. L040042PXMUNNBI
- Built
- 1860
- 165 years old, rebuilt 1939
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected April 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 76 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 18,300
- 2024 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
HWY Union ST over Water North Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Union ST over Water North Canal in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1860 and reconstructed in 1939, so it is 165 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 18,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,168 by 2032. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 50 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 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was HWY Union ST over Water North Canal built?
It was built in 1860, making it 165 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1939.
What condition is HWY Union ST over Water North Canal in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.
How much traffic does HWY Union ST over Water North Canal carry?
About 18,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.
How long is HWY Union ST over Water North Canal?
The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (22 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.
Who owns HWY Union ST over Water North Canal?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.