US Bridges

HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · New Braintree T. L. · Structure no. H080016LFMUNNBI

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,800
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 738 by 2033. The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Hardwick RD
CrossesWater Ware River
LocationNew Braintree T. L.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.34336, -72.15783
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length126 ft (38.3 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2024)
Projected traffic738 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$3.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River 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 Hardwick RD over Water Ware River carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River?

The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Hardwick RD over Water Ware River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.