US Bridges

HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .2 M E of Pearl ST · Structure no. M010074ECDOTNBI

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32,100
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 32,100 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,952 by 2032. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Medford ST
CrossesWater Malden River
Location.2 M E of Pearl ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.41789, -71.07334
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,100 (2021)
Projected traffic18,952 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
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

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$7.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Medford ST over Water Malden 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River carry?

About 32,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Medford ST over Water Malden River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.