US Bridges

HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · Just S of West Main ST · Structure no. M220061CNMUNNBI

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
859
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River is a concrete arch - deck carrying HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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.

It carries about 859 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,212 by 2031. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY S Main ST
CrossesWater Blackstone River
LocationJust S of West Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.18965, -71.75964
Functional classUrban 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating83.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic859 (2021)
Projected traffic8,212 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River carry?

About 859 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns HWY S Main ST over Water Blackstone River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.