US Bridges

HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River

Fair

Norfolk County, Massachusetts · At Newton T.L. · Structure no. N04002362DOTNBI

Built
1875
150 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1875, so it is 150 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.

It carries about 19,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,487 by 2032. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Highland Ave
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationAt Newton T.L.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNorfolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.3066, -71.21698
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (2023)
Projected traffic60,487 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1875, making it 150 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Highland Ave 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Highland Ave over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.