US Bridges

HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 0.2 MI West of RTE-12 · Structure no. O060041GYMUNNBI

Built
1891
134 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1891, so it is 134 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,579 by 2032. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Clara Btn RD
CrossesWater French River
Location0.2 MI West of RTE-12
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.15476, -71.88249
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,579 by 2032
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River built?

It was built in 1891, making it 134 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Clara Btn RD over Water French River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.