US Bridges

ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.64 KM E Rt 2 Rotary · Structure no. C190072DVDOTNBI

Built
1904
121 years old, rebuilt 1934
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
47,800
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1904 and reconstructed in 1934, so it is 121 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 47,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 120,027 by 2031. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 2 Elm ST
CrossesWater Assabet River
Location0.64 KM E Rt 2 Rotary
RouteState Highway 2
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.46573, -71.39124
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,800 (2020)
Projected traffic120,027 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River built?

It was built in 1904, making it 121 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1934.

What condition is ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet 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 ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River carry?

About 47,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns ST 2 Elm ST over Water Assabet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.