US Bridges

HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · Just NW of RTE 16 · Structure no. M1200637GMUNNBI

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,600
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 6 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 10,600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,216 by 2032. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Boston Ave
CrossesWater Mystic River
LocationJust NW of RTE 16
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.41732, -71.13051
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,600 (2019)
Projected traffic26,216 by 2032
Trucks10%
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$619,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River carry?

About 10,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Boston Ave over Water Mystic River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.