US Bridges

HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Poor

Essex County, Massachusetts · .1MI E ST 28 · Structure no. L0402432EDOT634

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a steel truss - thru carrying HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 97 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 4 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 12,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,003 by 2032. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Salem ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location.1MI E ST 28
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.69744, -71.16178
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,600 (2019)
Projected traffic15,003 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$10.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr 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 September 2023.

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

About 12,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Salem ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.