US Bridges

HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .6 MI NE of RTE 122 · Structure no. N210011CWMUNNBI

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,200
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 12,200 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,690 by 2031. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Church ST
CrossesWater Blackstone River
Location.6 MI NE of RTE 122
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.12945, -71.63639
Functional classUrban 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,200 (2024)
Projected traffic23,690 by 2031
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Church 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 May 2024.

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

About 12,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Church ST over Water Blackstone River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.