US Bridges

Nh 16 over Saco River

Fair

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 1.6MI Albany Tl · Structure no. 005401700007100

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
408 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,188
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 16 over Saco River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Nh 16 over Saco River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 80 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 12,188 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,038 by 2043. The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesNh 16
CrossesSaco River
Location1.6MI Albany Tl
RouteState Highway 16
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.98129, -71.11508
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length408 ft (124.4 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,188 (2023)
Projected traffic18,038 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 Nh 16 over Saco River built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Nh 16 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Nh 16 over Saco River carry?

About 12,188 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16 over Saco River?

The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 16 over Saco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.