US Bridges

ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary

Poor

Norfolk County, Massachusetts · ST 3 at Union ST · Structure no. B2103334MDOTNBI

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
204,310
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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.

It carries about 204,310 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 215,417 by 2031. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 116 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 3
CrossesHWY Union ST N Rotary
LocationST 3 at Union ST
RouteState Highway 3
CountyNorfolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.21144, -70.99677
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.7 US tons
Inventory rating52.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width116 ft (35.5 m)
Roadway width111 ft (33.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic204,310 (2024)
Projected traffic215,417 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$15.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary built?

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

What condition is ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary carry?

About 204,310 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 116 ft wide.

Who owns ST 3 over HWY Union ST N Rotary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.