US Bridges

HWY Beacon ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 305 M E of SR2A · Structure no. S170193GCDOT634

Built
1899
126 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Frame
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Beacon ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a steel frame carrying HWY Beacon ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1899 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 126 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,519 by 2031. The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Beacon ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location305 M E of SR2A
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.38676, -71.11624
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.7 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2024)
Projected traffic16,519 by 2031
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1899, making it 126 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is HWY Beacon 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 May 2024.

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

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

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

The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Beacon ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.