US Bridges

HWY Harwood Ave over I 495

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · @mm 78.5 1 MI N of ST 2 · Structure no. L1302428WDOTNBI

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
281 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Harwood Ave over I 495 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Harwood Ave over I 495 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, younger 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,053 by 2031. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Harwood Ave
CrossesI 495
Location@mm 78.5 1 MI N of ST 2
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.53153, -71.49958
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2024)
Projected traffic2,053 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$10.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Harwood Ave over I 495 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Harwood Ave over I 495 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Harwood Ave over I 495 carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Harwood Ave over I 495?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Harwood Ave over I 495?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.