US Bridges

ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · Newton Wellesley Twn Line · Structure no. N120072L9DOTNBI

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
141 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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.

It carries about 20,800 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 79,597 by 2032. The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 16 Washngton ST
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationNewton Wellesley Twn Line
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.32529, -71.2585
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
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 rating67.7 US tons
Inventory rating40.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length141 ft (43 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,800 (2023)
Projected traffic79,597 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 16 Washngton 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River carry?

About 20,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns ST 16 Washngton ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.