US Bridges

HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta

Fair

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · Over Orange Line · Structure no. B160804V5MUNNBI

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,700
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 93 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 8,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,056 by 2032. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Shawmut Ave
CrossesComb Amtrak/Mbta
LocationOver Orange Line
RouteCity Street 0
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.34714, -71.0658
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.1 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,700 (2018)
Projected traffic14,056 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta 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 2021.

How much traffic does HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta carry?

About 8,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Shawmut Ave over Comb Amtrak/Mbta?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.