US Bridges

ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · At Nonantum RD · Structure no. W100032L8DOTNBI

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,491
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1907, so it is 118 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 18,491 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 69,015 by 2032. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 16 Galen ST
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationAt Nonantum RD
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.36483, -71.18565
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.7 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,491 (2025)
Projected traffic69,015 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 16 Galen 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River carry?

About 18,491 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns ST 16 Galen ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.