US Bridges

HWY Hecla ST over Water West River

FairPosted for load

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .75 M S of RT-16 · Structure no. U020141J3MUNNBI

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,184
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Hecla ST over Water West River is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Hecla ST over Water West River in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,184 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,263 by 2031. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Hecla ST
CrossesWater West River
Location.75 M S of RT-16
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.07057, -71.60874
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,184 (2022)
Projected traffic1,263 by 2031
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Hecla ST over Water West River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Hecla ST over Water West 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Hecla ST over Water West River carry?

About 1,184 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is HWY Hecla ST over Water West River?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Hecla ST over Water West River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.