US Bridges

ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 1 Mi. N. of ST 62 · Structure no. H240201Y2DOTNBI

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,680
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 4,680 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,370 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST 68 Worcester RD
CrossesWater Ware River
Location1 Mi. N. of ST 62
RouteState Highway 68
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.46772, -72.00019
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,680 (2022)
Projected traffic8,370 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST 68 Worcester 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 ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River carry?

About 4,680 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River?

The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns ST 68 Worcester RD over Water Ware River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.