US Bridges

HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook

Fair

Hampshire County, Massachusetts · 1.5 M W of RT32 near Plmr · Structure no. W050240T4MUNNBI

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
905
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook in Hampshire 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 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 905 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,451 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Old Blchrtn
CrossesWater Beaver Brook
Location1.5 M W of RT32 near Plmr
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.24128, -72.30511
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.2 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic905 (2021)
Projected traffic2,451 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook carry?

About 905 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Old Blchrtn over Water Beaver Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.