US Bridges

NH126 over Big River

Fair

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 3.5 MI from Strafford Tl · Structure no. 001401300008400

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,514
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH126 over Big River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NH126 over Big River in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH126
CrossesBig River
Location3.5 MI from Strafford Tl
RouteState Highway 126
CountyBelknap County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.33853, -71.25887
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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 Big River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is NH126 over Big 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 Big River carry?

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

How long is NH126 over Big River?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NH126 over Big River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.