US Bridges

HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel

Poor

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · Over Ft Point Channel · Structure no. B1603238AMUNNBI

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
547 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,100
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel is a steel truss - thru carrying HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 17,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,953 by 2032. The structure is 547 ft (166.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Congress ST
CrossesWater Fort Point Channel
LocationOver Ft Point Channel
RouteCity Street 0
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.35195, -71.05133
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length547 ft (166.7 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck26 ft (7.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,100 (2019)
Projected traffic24,953 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$34.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel carry?

About 17,100 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel?

The structure is 547 ft (166.7 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Congress ST over Water Fort Point Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.