US Bridges

US 3 over Paugus Bay

Fair

Belknap County, New Hampshire · 7.4 MI from Belmont Tl · Structure no. 013901330015400

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,744
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Paugus Bay is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 3 over Paugus Bay in Belknap County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 8,744 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,941 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 3
CrossesPaugus Bay
Location7.4 MI from Belmont Tl
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyBelknap County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.60374, -71.45543
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,744 (2023)
Projected traffic12,941 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 US 3 over Paugus Bay built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Paugus Bay 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 3 over Paugus Bay carry?

About 8,744 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Paugus Bay?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Paugus Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.