US Bridges

US302 over Saco River

Fair

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 1.0 MI from Carroll Tl · Structure no. 011600700008400

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,957
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US302 over Saco River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US302 over Saco River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 47 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 1,957 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,896 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.8 mi (77 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS302
CrossesSaco River
Location1.0 MI from Carroll Tl
RouteU.S. Route 302
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.20021, -71.40626
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating58.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,957 (2023)
Projected traffic2,896 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.8 mi (77 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 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US302 over Saco River carry?

About 1,957 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US302 over Saco River?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US302 over Saco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.