US Bridges

HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook

Fair

Hampden County, Massachusetts · Just SW of RTE 32 · Structure no. M2701315VMUNNBI

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 1926
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,784
2015 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 1926, so it is 175 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 5 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 4,784 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 816 by 2032. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Bliss ST
CrossesWater Chicopee Brook
LocationJust SW of RTE 32
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampden County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.08925, -72.31507
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,784 (2015)
Projected traffic816 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$880,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1926.

What condition is HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook carry?

About 4,784 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Bliss ST over Water Chicopee Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.