US Bridges

Westport Road over Ashuelot River

FairPosted for load

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · .68 MI NE Winchester Tl · Structure no. 025100800009000

Built
1862
163 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
143 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
792
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Westport Road over Ashuelot River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Westport Road over Ashuelot River in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1862 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 163 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 792 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,172 by 2043. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWestport Road
CrossesAshuelot River
Location.68 MI NE Winchester Tl
RouteState Highway 0
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.84734, -72.34031
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic792 (2023)
Projected traffic1,172 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
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 Westport Road over Ashuelot River built?

It was built in 1862, making it 163 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Westport Road 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Westport Road over Ashuelot River carry?

About 792 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Westport Road over Ashuelot River?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Westport Road over Ashuelot River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.