US Bridges

HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta

Poor

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .8 KM S. Charles Rv S23 · Structure no. N120214R2DOTNBI

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
149 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,784
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 61 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 19,784 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,478 by 2031. The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long and 102 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesHWY Walnut ST
CrossesComb I 90 & Csx/Mbta
Location.8 KM S. Charles Rv S23
RouteInterstate 90
Coordinates42.35124, -71.20718
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (16 m)
Deck width102 ft (31.1 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,784 (2024)
Projected traffic21,478 by 2031
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$13.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta carry?

About 19,784 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta?

The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (16 m) and a deck 102 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Walnut ST over Comb I 90 & Csx/Mbta?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.