US Bridges

HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay

PoorPosted for load

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · .2 MI E of I 93 · Structure no. B160334EUDOTNBI

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
460 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
78,900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay is a steel movable - bascule carrying HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 98 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 78,900 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 102,654 by 2032. The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long and 90 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Morrssey Blv
CrossesWater Dorchester Bay
Location.2 MI E of I 93
RouteCity Street 1
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.30391, -71.04783
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length460 ft (140.2 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width90 ft (27.4 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78,900 (2019)
Projected traffic102,654 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$64 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay carry?

About 78,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay?

The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 90 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Morrssey Blv over Water Dorchester Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.