US Bridges

Branch Road over Minnewawa River

Fair

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 0.02 MI N JCT NH10 · Structure no. 013601770005000

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,019
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Branch Road over Minnewawa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Branch Road over Minnewawa River in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,019 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,508 by 2043. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBranch Road
CrossesMinnewawa River
Location0.02 MI N JCT NH10
RouteState Highway 0
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.91506, -72.23687
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,019 (2023)
Projected traffic1,508 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 Branch Road over Minnewawa River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Branch Road over Minnewawa 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Branch Road over Minnewawa River carry?

About 1,019 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Branch Road over Minnewawa River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Branch Road over Minnewawa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.