US Bridges

South Road over Whichier Brook

Good

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 6.7 MI from Laconia Tl · Structure no. 002000650005800

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
872
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Road over Whichier Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying South Road over Whichier Brook in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 872 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,290 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth Road
CrossesWhichier Brook
Location6.7 MI from Laconia Tl
CountyBelknap County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.43658, -71.51821
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic872 (2023)
Projected traffic1,290 by 2043
Trucks4%
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 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 South Road over Whichier Brook built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is South Road over Whichier Brook 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does South Road over Whichier Brook carry?

About 872 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is South Road over Whichier Brook?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns South Road over Whichier Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.