US Bridges

HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel

Fair

Suffolk County, Massachusetts · .32 KM S I-90 · Structure no. B162762L3DOTNBI

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel is a concrete culvert carrying HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 6 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 13,200 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,796 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY W Fourth ST
CrossesWater Fort Point Channel
Location.32 KM S I-90
RouteCity Street 0
CountySuffolk County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.34262, -71.06104
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,200 (2023)
Projected traffic27,796 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel 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 June 2023.

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

About 13,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns HWY W Fourth ST over Water Fort Point Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.