US Bridges

Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 4.8 KM North of Athol · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510009

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2024 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel is a concrete arch - deck carrying Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2042. The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesMa Route 32
CrossesSpillway Channel
Location4.8 KM North of Athol
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.63833, -72.22404
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating92.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2024)
Projected traffic500 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$863,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ma Route 32 over Spillway 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel?

The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Ma Route 32 over Spillway Channel?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).