US Bridges

Goodnow Road over Priest Brook

FairPosted for load

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 16.09 KM N of Gardner · Structure no. CEPNEDMA2510017

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Goodnow Road over Priest Brook is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Goodnow Road over Priest Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 88 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesGoodnow Road
CrossesPriest Brook
Location16.09 KM N of Gardner
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64534, -72.105
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic50 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
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$16,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Goodnow Road over Priest Brook built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Goodnow 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 Goodnow Road over Priest Brook carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Goodnow Road over Priest Brook?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Goodnow Road over Priest Brook?

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