US Bridges

HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · Just S of Longfellow Br · Structure no. C010384DPDOTNBI

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
878 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
12,579
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 12,579 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34,745 by 2031. The structure is 878 ft (267.6 m) long and 42 ft wide.

CarriesHWY Memorl DR EB
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationJust S of Longfellow Br
RouteU.S. Route 3
Coordinates42.36073, -71.07962
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadHS 20
Structure length878 ft (267.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,579 (2023)
Projected traffic34,745 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$33.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River carry?

About 12,579 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River?

The structure is 878 ft (267.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Memorl DR EB over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.