US Bridges

HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River

Fair

Norfolk County, Massachusetts · Dover-Needham Town Line · Structure no. D1000333NMUNNBI

Built
1847
178 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,216
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1847, so it is 178 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 10,216 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,898 by 2033. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Centre ST
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationDover-Needham Town Line
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNorfolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.25904, -71.27144
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating59.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,216 (2024)
Projected traffic13,898 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1847, making it 178 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Centre 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River carry?

About 10,216 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Centre ST over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.