US Bridges

HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek

FairPosted for load

Nantucket County, Massachusetts · .1 MI NW of Madaket RD · Structure no. N02003442MUNNBI

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
98 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
388
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek in Nantucket County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 388 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,421 by 2032. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Ames Ave
CrossesWater Hither Creek
Location.1 MI NW of Madaket RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNantucket County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.27228, -70.20373
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic388 (2023)
Projected traffic1,421 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek carry?

About 388 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Ames Ave over Water Hither Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.