US Bridges

NH140 over Merrymeeting River

Fair

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 3.1 MI from Gilmanton Tl · Structure no. 000601710016200

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,614
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH140 over Merrymeeting River is a concrete slab carrying NH140 over Merrymeeting River in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the New Hampshire average of 56.9 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 2,614 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,868 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH140
CrossesMerrymeeting River
Location3.1 MI from Gilmanton Tl
RouteState Highway 140
CountyBelknap County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.45442, -71.22779
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,614 (2023)
Projected traffic3,868 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$314,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NH140 over Merrymeeting River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is NH140 over Merrymeeting 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NH140 over Merrymeeting River carry?

About 2,614 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is NH140 over Merrymeeting River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NH140 over Merrymeeting River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.