US Bridges

HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · .8 KM So Merrimac River · Structure no. L0402332DDOT634

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
74 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
28,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 98 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 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 28,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,108 by 2031. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY S Union ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location.8 KM So Merrimac River
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.70164, -71.15341
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.2 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,500 (2024)
Projected traffic10,108 by 2031
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr carry?

About 28,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns HWY S Union ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.