US Bridges

ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal

FairPosted for load

Essex County, Massachusetts · .16 KM S Merrimac River · Structure no. L040262YGDOTNBI

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,432
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 14,432 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,909 by 2031. The structure is 70 ft (21.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 28 S Broadway
CrossesWater South Canal
Location.16 KM S Merrimac River
RouteState Highway 28
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.6996, -71.16456
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating68.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.2 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,432 (2024)
Projected traffic61,909 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal carry?

About 14,432 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal?

The structure is 70 ft (21.2 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns ST 28 S Broadway over Water South Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.