US Bridges

HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook

PoorPosted for load

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 0.2 M S Gilbertville RD · Structure no. N07004185MUNNBI

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,293
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,293 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 395 by 2032. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Barr RD
CrossesWater Meadow Brook
Location0.2 M S Gilbertville RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.29856, -72.14814
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,293 (2017)
Projected traffic395 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook carry?

About 1,293 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Barr RD over Water Meadow Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.