US Bridges

Nh 16 over Branch River

Fair

Carroll County, New Hampshire · 3.5MI from Milton T.L. · Structure no. 026102300005700

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,017
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 16 over Branch River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nh 16 over Branch River in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 66 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 10,017 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,825 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNh 16
CrossesBranch River
Location3.5MI from Milton T.L.
RouteState Highway 16
CountyCarroll County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.53768, -71.03137
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.2 US tons
Inventory rating57.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,017 (2023)
Projected traffic14,825 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Branch River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Nh 16 over Branch 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 Branch River carry?

About 10,017 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16 over Branch River?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 16 over Branch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.