US Bridges

ST 2 over HWY Central ST

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 2.4 Mi. E of I-495 · Structure no. B1800127BDOTNBI

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
37,218
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 2 over HWY Central ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 2 over HWY Central ST in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 75 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 37,218 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 69,489 by 2032. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 2
CrossesHWY Central ST
Location2.4 Mi. E of I-495
RouteState Highway 2
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.50054, -71.47533
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
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.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width89 ft (27.2 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,218 (2023)
Projected traffic69,489 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 2 over HWY Central ST built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is ST 2 over HWY Central ST 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does ST 2 over HWY Central ST carry?

About 37,218 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is ST 2 over HWY Central ST?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns ST 2 over HWY Central ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.