US Bridges

HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal

Fair

Franklin County, Massachusetts · At Gill-Montague T.L. · Structure no. G04010133DOTNBI

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
1,733 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal is a steel truss - deck carrying HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 11,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,634 by 2032. The structure is 1,733 ft (528.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Avenue a
CrossesWater Conn Riv and Canal
LocationAt Gill-Montague T.L.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFranklin County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.61137, -72.55222
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.3 US tons
Inventory rating28.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,733 ft (528.2 m)
Longest span450 ft (137.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,100 (2023)
Projected traffic12,634 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$67 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal carry?

About 11,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal?

The structure is 1,733 ft (528.2 m) long with a longest span of 450 ft (137.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Avenue a over Water Conn Riv and Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.