US Bridges

Nh 16A over Ellis River

FairPosted for load

Carroll County, New Hampshire · .05 MI N of JCT 16 · Structure no. 013201480005000

Built
1876
149 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
121 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,280
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 16A over Ellis River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Nh 16A over Ellis River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1876 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 149 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,374 by 2043. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNh 16A
CrossesEllis River
Location.05 MI N of JCT 16
RouteState Highway 16A
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.14153, -71.18625
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.8 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2023)
Projected traffic3,374 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Nh 16A over Ellis River built?

It was built in 1876, making it 149 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Nh 16A over Ellis 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 Nh 16A over Ellis River carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16A over Ellis River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 16A over Ellis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.