US Bridges

West Street over Ashuelot River

Fair

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 0.6 MI from Keene Center · Structure no. 013601230007500

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
98 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,605
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Street over Ashuelot River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Street over Ashuelot River in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 73 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 16,605 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,575 by 2043. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Street
CrossesAshuelot River
Location0.6 MI from Keene Center
RouteState Highway 0
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.93279, -72.28974
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,605 (2023)
Projected traffic24,575 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 West Street over Ashuelot River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is West Street over Ashuelot 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does West Street over Ashuelot River carry?

About 16,605 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is West Street over Ashuelot River?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns West Street over Ashuelot River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.