US Bridges

HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · @ Wellesley Tl = W13002 · Structure no. N120062CPMUNNBI

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,086
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25,086 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,216 by 2032. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Wales ST
CrossesWater Charles River
Location@ Wellesley Tl = W13002
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.32674, -71.25316
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,086 (2023)
Projected traffic26,216 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Wales ST over Water Charles 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River carry?

About 25,086 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Wales ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.