US Bridges

ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook

Fair

Hampden County, Massachusetts · 1.4 MI W of US 20 · Structure no. R130090CEDOTNBI

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,887
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 2,887 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,474 by 2032. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 23 Blandford RD
CrossesWater Potash Brook
Location1.4 MI W of US 20
RouteState Highway 23
CountyHampden County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.16573, -72.85362
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,887 (2022)
Projected traffic3,474 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$671,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook carry?

About 2,887 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns ST 23 Blandford RD over Water Potash Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.