US Bridges

US302 over Saco River

Fair

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 2.4 MI E JCT 16 · Structure no. 005401520009800

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
419 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,313
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US302 over Saco River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US302 over Saco River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 13,313 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,703 by 2043. The structure is 419 ft (127.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS302
CrossesSaco River
Location2.4 MI E JCT 16
RouteU.S. Route 302
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.99524, -71.08591
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length419 ft (127.7 m)
Longest span162 ft (49.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,313 (2023)
Projected traffic19,703 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 over Saco River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US302 over Saco River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US302 over Saco River carry?

About 13,313 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US302 over Saco River?

The structure is 419 ft (127.7 m) long with a longest span of 162 ft (49.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US302 over Saco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.