US Bridges

HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .2 M SE of RTE 62 · Structure no. H2500624JMUNNBI

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,900
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 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 load restriction.

It carries about 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,738 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Forest Ave
CrossesWater Assabet River
Location.2 M SE of RTE 62
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.38923, -71.55977
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2024)
Projected traffic4,738 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Forest Ave 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Forest Ave over Water Assabet River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.