US Bridges

ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River

Fair

Essex County, Massachusetts · .8 MI E of US-1 · Structure no. T060042Y3DOTNBI

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,600
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 12,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,163 by 2031. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesST 97 High ST
CrossesWater Ipswich River
Location.8 MI E of US-1
RouteState Highway 97
CountyEssex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.62371, -70.93526
Functional classRural Major 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,600 (2024)
Projected traffic24,163 by 2031
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River carry?

About 12,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns ST 97 High ST over Water Ipswich River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.