US Bridges

US202 over Contoocook River

Fair

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 2.0 MI from Peterboro Tl · Structure no. 013401710008700

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,405
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US202 over Contoocook River is a concrete frame carrying US202 over Contoocook River in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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.

It carries about 7,405 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,959 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS202
CrossesContoocook River
Location2.0 MI from Peterboro Tl
RouteU.S. Route 202
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.81664, -72.00589
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,405 (2023)
Projected traffic10,959 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US202 over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US202 over Contoocook 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 2023.

How much traffic does US202 over Contoocook River carry?

About 7,405 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US202 over Contoocook River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US202 over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.