US Bridges

Burgess Road over Priest Brook

FairPosted for load

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 16.09 KM N of Gardner · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510015

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Burgess Road over Priest Brook is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Burgess Road over Priest Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBurgess Road
CrossesPriest Brook
Location16.09 KM N of Gardner
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.65151, -72.10866
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
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic50 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$23,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Burgess Road over Priest Brook built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Burgess Road over Priest Brook 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 2023.

How much traffic does Burgess Road over Priest Brook carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Burgess Road over Priest Brook?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Burgess Road over Priest Brook?

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