US Bridges

HWY Purgatory RD over ST146

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 2MI. S. of Central Tpk. · Structure no. S3301720JDOTNBI

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
193 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,845
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Purgatory RD over ST146 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Purgatory RD over ST146 in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 4,845 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,741 by 2033. The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Purgatory RD
CrossesST146
Location2MI. S. of Central Tpk.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.12719, -71.70419
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.8 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,845 (2022)
Projected traffic19,741 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Purgatory RD over ST146 built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Purgatory RD over ST146 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Purgatory RD over ST146 carry?

About 4,845 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY Purgatory RD over ST146?

The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Purgatory RD over ST146?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.