US Bridges

HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .1 Mi. S. of ST-62 · Structure no. M1000524NMUNNBI

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,319 by 2032. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Walnut ST
CrossesWater Assabet River
Location.1 Mi. S. of ST-62
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.43103, -71.45377
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating86.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic12,319 by 2032
Trucks6%
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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Walnut ST over Water Assabet River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.