US Bridges

HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA

Good

Plymouth County, Massachusetts · MP 34/972 Mbcr · Structure no. K010054BTDOT634

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA is a wood or timber slab carrying HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 175 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,055 by 2032. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Howlands LN
CrossesRR MBTA
LocationMP 34/972 Mbcr
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates41.98648, -70.70187
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2022)
Projected traffic11,055 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Howlands LN over RR MBTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.