US Bridges

HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .2 MI W of ST-122 · Structure no. B130091EBMUNNBI

Built
1880
145 years old, rebuilt 1925
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,453
2018 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1880 and reconstructed in 1925, so it is 145 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 8,453 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,214 by 2033. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY ST Paul ST
CrossesWater Canal
Location.2 MI W of ST-122
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.01573, -71.53641
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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,453 (2018)
Projected traffic14,214 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal built?

It was built in 1880, making it 145 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1925.

What condition is HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal carry?

About 8,453 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns HWY ST Paul ST over Water Canal?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.