ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River
PoorHampden County, Massachusetts · 0.4 MI N of Main ST · Structure no. P0101319RDOTNBI
- Built
- 1938
- 87 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected March 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 159 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 11,500
- 2024 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,761 by 2033. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River built?
It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.
What condition is ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.
How much traffic does ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River carry?
About 11,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.
How long is ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River?
The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.
Who owns ST181 Palmer ST over Water Ware River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.