US Bridges

Passaconaway Road over Swift River

GoodPosted for load

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 0.1 MI FR Kancamagus HWY · Structure no. 000201660015800

Built
1858
167 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
292
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Passaconaway Road over Swift River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Passaconaway Road over Swift River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1858 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 167 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 292 vehicles a day, projected to reach 432 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesPassaconaway Road
CrossesSwift River
Location0.1 MI FR Kancamagus HWY
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.00584, -71.24064
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating10.8 US tons
Inventory rating6.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck8 ft (2.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic292 (2023)
Projected traffic432 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Passaconaway Road over Swift River built?

It was built in 1858, making it 167 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Passaconaway Road over Swift 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Passaconaway Road over Swift River carry?

About 292 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Passaconaway Road over Swift River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Passaconaway Road over Swift River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.