US Bridges

HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 0.2 MI East Rt 68 · Structure no. R1203017QMUNNBI

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
129
2019 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook is a concrete culvert carrying HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 129 vehicles a day, projected to reach 204 by 2032. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Birch Hil RD
CrossesWater Beaver Brook
Location0.2 MI East Rt 68
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.62671, -72.14012
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2019)
Projected traffic204 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns HWY Birch Hil RD over Water Beaver Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.