US Bridges

HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal

Good

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.2 MI S of RTE 113 · Structure no. L15095B6YMUNNBI

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2022
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
535 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks. The structure is 535 ft (163 m) long and 71 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Univrsty Ave
CrossesWater Merrimack & Canal
Location0.2 MI S of RTE 113
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.65146, -71.32455
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.3 US tons
Inventory rating43.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length535 ft (163 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2018)
Projected traffic—
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2022.

How much traffic does HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal?

The structure is 535 ft (163 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Univrsty Ave over Water Merrimack & Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.