US Bridges

HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST

Fair

Worcester County, Massachusetts · .2 Mi. W. of I-290 · Structure no. W44074B99MUNNBI

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Frame
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST is a steel frame carrying HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 1,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,579 by 2032. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 459 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY City Tunnel
CrossesHWY Highland ST
Location.2 Mi. W. of I-290
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.27169, -71.79925
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width459 ft (140 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2013)
Projected traffic1,579 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$16.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 459 ft wide.

Who owns HWY City Tunnel over HWY Highland ST?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.