US Bridges

US 3 over Water Stony Brook

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 1 MI NW Drum Hill · Structure no. C080432GADOTNBI

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100,800
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Water Stony Brook is a concrete culvert carrying US 3 over Water Stony Brook in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 6 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 100,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 136,136 by 2032. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 3
CrossesWater Stony Brook
Location1 MI NW Drum Hill
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.62675, -71.38778
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100,800 (2015)
Projected traffic136,136 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 3 over Water Stony Brook built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Water Stony Brook 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 3 over Water Stony Brook carry?

About 100,800 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Water Stony Brook?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns US 3 over Water Stony Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.