US Bridges

HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · At Pawtucket & Western Ca · Structure no. L1505387LMUNNBI

Built
1986
39 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,000
2017 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1986 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 39 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 30,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,174 by 2032. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 113 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Thorndike ST
CrossesWater Pawtucket Canal
LocationAt Pawtucket & Western Ca
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64078, -71.31663
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width113 ft (34.3 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,000 (2017)
Projected traffic72,174 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal carry?

About 30,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 113 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Thorndike ST over Water Pawtucket Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.