US Bridges

ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · JCT of Adams Road · Structure no. B0201019VDOTNBI

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,455
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 87 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 2,455 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,268 by 2031. The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 32 Wheelwright
CrossesWater Ware River
LocationJCT of Adams Road
RouteState Highway 32
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.38031, -72.11412
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.1 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,455 (2017)
Projected traffic3,268 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River carry?

About 2,455 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns ST 32 Wheelwright over Water Ware River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.