US Bridges

US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 0.3 MI W of Bartlett ST · Structure no. N200171KYDOTNBI

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,825
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct is a concrete tee beam carrying US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 94 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 10,825 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,112 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 20 Main ST
CrossesWater Wachusett Aqueduct
Location0.3 MI W of Bartlett ST
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.32621, -71.62524
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,825 (2020)
Projected traffic28,112 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$338,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct carry?

About 10,825 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 Main ST over Water Wachusett Aqueduct?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.