US Bridges

HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 1.1 KM SW JCT SR28&3 · Structure no. S170063G3DOT634

Built
1902
123 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1902 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 123 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,949 by 2032. The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Walnut ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location1.1 KM SW JCT SR28&3
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.38638, -71.09349
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.8 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2019)
Projected traffic6,949 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Walnut ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.