US Bridges

NH126 over Suncook River

Fair

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 3.5 MI from Strafford Tl · Structure no. 001401280009000

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,514
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH126 over Suncook River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NH126 over Suncook River in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 96 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 6 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 3,514 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH126
CrossesSuncook River
Location3.5 MI from Strafford Tl
RouteState Highway 126
CountyBelknap County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.34193, -71.26218
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,514 (2023)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 NH126 over Suncook River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is NH126 over Suncook 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 NH126 over Suncook River carry?

About 3,514 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NH126 over Suncook River?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NH126 over Suncook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.