US Bridges

HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River

Fair

Hampshire County, Massachusetts · Just N of Northampton · Structure no. W360120FGMUNNBI

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
711
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 711 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,895 by 2032. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY S Main ST
CrossesWater Mill River
LocationJust N of Northampton
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHampshire County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.36888, -72.70158
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.6 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic711 (2023)
Projected traffic1,895 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY S Main ST over Water Mill 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River carry?

About 711 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns HWY S Main ST over Water Mill River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.