US Bridges

HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .4 Mi. N. of U.S.-20 · Structure no. S3100824UMUNNBI

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,379
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook is a prestressed concrete slab carrying HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 125 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 9,379 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,692 by 2032. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Union Ave
CrossesWater Hop Brook
Location.4 Mi. N. of U.S.-20
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.3669, -71.42007
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.3 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,379 (2021)
Projected traffic32,692 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is HWY Union Ave over Water Hop 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook carry?

About 9,379 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Union Ave over Water Hop Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.