US Bridges

HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .1 MI N of ST-2A · Structure no. S13004260MUNNBI

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,050
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook is a steel culvert carrying HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 2,050 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,527 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Townsend RD
CrossesWater Mulpus Brook
Location.1 MI N of ST-2A
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.58696, -71.64987
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,050 (2022)
Projected traffic2,527 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$791,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook 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 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook carry?

About 2,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns HWY Townsend RD over Water Mulpus Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.