US Bridges

ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.75 MI E Salem & Baldwin · Structure no. B120082KRDOTNBI

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River is a masonry arch - deck carrying ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,689 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST129 Salem RD
CrossesWater Shawsheen River
Location0.75 MI E Salem & Baldwin
RouteState Highway 129
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.56806, -71.2151
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,600 (2018)
Projected traffic20,689 by 2033
Trucks5%
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

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$833,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River carry?

About 10,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns ST129 Salem RD over Water Shawsheen River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.