US Bridges

HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · At Inter With Dutton ST · Structure no. L150442BRMUNNBI

Built
1912
113 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,500
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1912, so it is 113 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,374 by 2031. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Market ST
CrossesWater Merrimack Canal
LocationAt Inter With Dutton ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64476, -71.31338
Functional classUrban Minor 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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.9 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.7 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2024)
Projected traffic26,374 by 2031
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Market ST over Water Merrimack Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.