US Bridges

HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook

Fair

Hampden County, Massachusetts · .5 MI N of RTE 90 · Structure no. L160180M8MUNNBI

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,474
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 10,474 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,168 by 2032. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY West ST
CrossesWater Higher Brook
Location.5 MI N of RTE 90
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampden County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.17105, -72.51251
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,474 (2017)
Projected traffic8,168 by 2032
Trucks3%
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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$956,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook carry?

About 10,474 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns HWY West ST over Water Higher Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.