US Bridges

HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook

Good

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .2MI.WST.OF S.Ludlow St. · Structure no. W440201JEMUNNBI

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2025 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook is a concrete culvert carrying HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 948 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY James ST
CrossesWater Kettle Brook
Location.2MI.WST.OF S.Ludlow St.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.22868, -71.85271
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2025)
Projected traffic948 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns HWY James ST over Water Kettle Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.