US Bridges

HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · 1.1 KM N of Main ST · Structure no. S050042QQMUNNBI

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,724
2019 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, younger 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 6,724 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,845 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Central ST
CrossesWater Saugus River
Location1.1 KM N of Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.47315, -71.00743
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating42.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,724 (2019)
Projected traffic11,845 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River carry?

About 6,724 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Central ST over Water Saugus River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.