US Bridges

HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal

PoorPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .16 KM N of Longfellow Br · Structure no. C010084DMDOTNBI

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,388
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 101 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15,388 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,007 by 2031. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY First ST
CrossesWater Broad Canal
Location.16 KM N of Longfellow Br
RouteState Highway 3
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.3625, -71.07885
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating16.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,388 (2024)
Projected traffic30,007 by 2031
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$11.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal carry?

About 15,388 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns HWY First ST over Water Broad Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.