US Bridges

US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River

Good

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 1.7 MI Conway Tl · Structure no. 001702410013700

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
144 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,140
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 64 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.

It carries about 11,140 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,487 by 2043. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS302 Nh 16
CrossesEast Branch Saco River
Location1.7 MI Conway Tl
RouteU.S. Route 302
Coordinates44.1004, -71.15198
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,140 (2023)
Projected traffic16,487 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River carry?

About 11,140 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US302 Nh 16 over East Branch Saco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.