US Bridges

I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · Newton-Wellesley Twn Line · Structure no. N120542FNDOTNBI

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150,529
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 75 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 150,529 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 268,797 by 2031. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 149 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesI 95 /ST128
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationNewton-Wellesley Twn Line
RouteInterstate 95
Coordinates42.32366, -71.24924
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width149 ft (45.4 m)
Roadway width140 ft (42.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150,529 (2023)
Projected traffic268,797 by 2031
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
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$24.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is I 95 /ST128 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River carry?

About 150,529 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 149 ft wide.

Who owns I 95 /ST128 over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.