US Bridges

HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.35 MI South RTE 20 · Structure no. W040022KGDOTNBI

Built
1877
148 years old, rebuilt 1951
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,601
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1877 and reconstructed in 1951, so it is 148 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 16,601 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,055 by 2032. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Newton ST
CrossesWater Charles River
Location0.35 MI South RTE 20
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.37256, -71.22876
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,601 (2018)
Projected traffic11,055 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1877, making it 148 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1951.

What condition is HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River carry?

About 16,601 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Newton ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.