US Bridges

Fitch Road over Contoocook River

Good

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 200 Ft FR US202 · Structure no. 013401700008700

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
326
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fitch Road over Contoocook River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Fitch Road over Contoocook River in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 55 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 326 vehicles a day, projected to reach 482 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesFitch Road
CrossesContoocook River
Location200 Ft FR US202
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.81703, -72.00819
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic326 (2023)
Projected traffic482 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Fitch Road over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Fitch Road over Contoocook River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Fitch Road over Contoocook River carry?

About 326 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Fitch Road over Contoocook River?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Fitch Road over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.