US Bridges

Welch Road over Little River

Good

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 0.6 MI FR Strafford Tl · Structure no. 001401760004700

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Welch Road over Little River is a prestressed concrete culvert carrying Welch Road over Little River in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 years old, younger than the New Hampshire average of 56.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 96 vehicles a day, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesWelch Road
CrossesLittle River
Location0.6 MI FR Strafford Tl
Coordinates43.31471, -71.20977
Functional classRural 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 protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.3 US tons
Inventory rating57.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$314,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Welch Road over Little River built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is Welch Road over Little River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Welch Road over Little River carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Welch Road over Little River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns Welch Road over Little River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.