US Bridges

US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook

Good

Franklin County, Massachusetts · At JCT Couch Brook Dr. · Structure no. B100050U2DOTNBI

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
905
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 905 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,677 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 5 Bratlboro RD
CrossesWater Couch Brook
LocationAt JCT Couch Brook Dr.
RouteU.S. Route 5
CountyFranklin County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.70443, -72.56443
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic905 (2017)
Projected traffic3,677 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$518,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook carry?

About 905 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 5 Bratlboro RD over Water Couch Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.