US Bridges

HWY Forest ST over I 93

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · .6 MI N Merrimac River · Structure no. M1701931JDOTNBI

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
418 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,650
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Forest ST over I 93 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Forest ST over I 93 in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 66 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 4,650 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,685 by 2031. The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Forest ST
CrossesI 93
Location.6 MI N Merrimac River
RouteState Highway 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.71034, -71.21107
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.7 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length418 ft (127.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2024)
Projected traffic5,685 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$20.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Forest ST over I 93 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is HWY Forest ST over I 93 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Forest ST over I 93 carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Forest ST over I 93?

The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Forest ST over I 93?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.