US Bridges

HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · 200 Ft E of Oak ST · Structure no. U020191DKMUNNBI

Built
1870
155 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,627
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1870, so it is 155 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 7,627 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,900 by 2031. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Hartford Ave
CrossesWater Blackstone Canal
Location200 Ft E of Oak ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.098, -71.62303
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,627 (2023)
Projected traffic22,900 by 2031
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal built?

It was built in 1870, making it 155 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal carry?

About 7,627 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Hartford Ave over Water Blackstone Canal?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.