US Bridges

HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River

Fair

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · City Line Bos Camb · Structure no. B160104EPDOTNBI

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
280 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 26,100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,379 by 2032. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Western Ave
CrossesWater Charles River
LocationCity Line Bos Camb
RouteCity Street 0
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.36425, -71.1169
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating78.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,100 (2023)
Projected traffic47,379 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$15.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Western 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 November 2023.

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

About 26,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Western Ave over Water Charles River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.