US Bridges

HWY Church ST over Water Ware River

Fair

Hampshire County, Massachusetts · .25 MI W of RTE 32 · Structure no. W050010NGMUNNBI

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
155 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,267
2019 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Church ST over Water Ware River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Church ST over Water Ware River in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 4,267 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,168 by 2032. The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Church ST
CrossesWater Ware River
Location.25 MI W of RTE 32
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.28483, -72.21599
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length155 ft (47.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,267 (2019)
Projected traffic8,168 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$5.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Church ST over Water Ware River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Church ST over Water Ware River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Church ST over Water Ware River carry?

About 4,267 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Church ST over Water Ware River?

The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Church ST over Water Ware River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.