US Bridges

ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

PoorPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · .75 MI S of ST-129 · Structure no. W380022NQDOT634

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
97 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,165 by 2031. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 38 Main ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location.75 MI S of ST-129
RouteState Highway 38
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.53451, -71.15943
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2024)
Projected traffic30,165 by 2031
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$9.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns ST 38 Main ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.