US Bridges

HWY Central ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 1.6 KM W of JCT SR28&38 · Structure no. S170103G7DOT634

Built
1889
136 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,600
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Central ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Central ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1889 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 136 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 6 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,793 by 2031. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Central ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location1.6 KM W of JCT SR28&38
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.39037, -71.10204
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2016)
Projected traffic15,793 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1889, making it 136 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is HWY Central 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 2022.

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

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

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

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Central ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.