US Bridges

HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 400 Ft So Int Elm & River · Structure no. W040032C9MUNNBI

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 1949
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
236 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 1949, so it is 175 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 6,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 13,266 by 2032. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Elm ST
CrossesWater Charles River
Location400 Ft So Int Elm & River
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.37292, -71.2325
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2024)
Projected traffic13,266 by 2032
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1949.

What condition is HWY Elm 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 May 2024.

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

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Elm ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.