US Bridges

HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook

Fair

Hampshire County, Massachusetts · 1M S of RT116 · Structure no. P110120J1MUNNBI

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
129
2019 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 129 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,027 by 2032. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY S Union ST
CrossesWater Mill Brook
Location1M S of RT116
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.50223, -72.91571
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2019)
Projected traffic1,027 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY S Union ST over Water Mill 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns HWY S Union ST over Water Mill Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.