US Bridges

HWY Sycamore ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 1.3 KM W of JCT SR28&38 · Structure no. S170093G6DOT634

Built
1902
123 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
78 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,160
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Sycamore ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying HWY Sycamore ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1902 and reconstructed in 2006, 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 1,160 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,843 by 2031. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Sycamore ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location1.3 KM W of JCT SR28&38
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.38975, -71.10053
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.5 US tons
Inventory rating67.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,160 (2018)
Projected traffic2,843 by 2031
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
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 Sycamore ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is HWY Sycamore 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 November 2022.

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

About 1,160 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

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

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Sycamore ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.