US Bridges

ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds

Fair

Norfolk County, Massachusetts · .48 KM NE of Union ST · Structure no. B2102534PDOTNBI

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
106,018
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 68 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 106,018 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 228,998 by 2031. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 118 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 3
CrossesComb Mbta/Csx & Reds
Location.48 KM NE of Union ST
RouteState Highway 3
CountyNorfolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.21948, -71.00035
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.8 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.8 m)
Deck width118 ft (36 m)
Roadway width108 ft (32.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic106,018 (2015)
Projected traffic228,998 by 2031
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$13 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds carry?

About 106,018 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.8 m) and a deck 118 ft wide.

Who owns ST 3 over Comb Mbta/Csx & Reds?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.