US Bridges

ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River

Good

Plymouth County, Massachusetts · 0.1 M S of RTE 106 · Structure no. E0100247UDOTNBI

Built
1880
145 years old, rebuilt 1930
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32,328
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River is a masonry arch - deck carrying ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1880 and reconstructed in 1930, so it is 145 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 32,328 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,434 by 2031. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesST 18 Bedford ST
CrossesWater Matfield River
Location0.1 M S of RTE 106
RouteState Highway 18
Coordinates42.01549, -70.96116
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101 US tons
Inventory rating60.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,328 (2024)
Projected traffic58,434 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River built?

It was built in 1880, making it 145 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1930.

What condition is ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River carry?

About 32,328 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns ST 18 Bedford ST over Water Matfield River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.