US Bridges

Middle Road over Priest Brook

GoodPosted for load

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 16.09 KM N of Gardner · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510013

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Middle Road over Priest Brook is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Middle Road over Priest Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 115 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMiddle Road
CrossesPriest Brook
Location16.09 KM N of Gardner
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64428, -72.10233
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.5 m)
Roadway width10 ft (2.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2 (2021)
Projected traffic30 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Middle Road over Priest Brook built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Middle Road over Priest Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Middle Road over Priest Brook carry?

About 2 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Middle Road over Priest Brook?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Middle Road over Priest Brook?

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