US Bridges

HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Massachusetts · JCT 6th ST & Util Canal · Structure no. M2816A0R2MUNNBI

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
168 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
517
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 517 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 316 by 2032. The structure is 168 ft (51.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Sixth ST
CrossesWater Utility Canal
LocationJCT 6th ST & Util Canal
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFranklin County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.60749, -72.56137
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating46.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length168 ft (51.1 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic517 (2017)
Projected traffic316 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal carry?

About 517 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal?

The structure is 168 ft (51.1 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Sixth ST over Water Utility Canal?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.