US Bridges

Carlton Road over South Brook

FairPosted for load

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 0.20 Mi. RTE 32 · Structure no. 025101480010000

Built
1869
156 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carlton Road over South Brook is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Carlton Road over South Brook in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1869 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 156 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 740 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCarlton Road
CrossesSouth Brook
Location0.20 Mi. RTE 32
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.85466, -72.27442
Functional classRural 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
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 evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating8 US tons
Inventory rating6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic740 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Carlton Road over South Brook built?

It was built in 1869, making it 156 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Carlton Road over South Brook 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 Carlton Road over South Brook carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Carlton Road over South Brook?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Carlton Road over South Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.