US Bridges

South River Road over Houghton Brook

Fair

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · 0.4 MI FR Westmoreland T · Structure no. 026202160004700

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
117
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

South River Road over Houghton Brook is a steel culvert carrying South River Road over Houghton Brook in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 117 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 173 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth River Road
CrossesHoughton Brook
Location0.4 MI FR Westmoreland T
CountyCheshire County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.02481, -72.45319
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic117 (2023)
Projected traffic173 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 South River Road over Houghton Brook built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is South River Road over Houghton 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does South River Road over Houghton Brook carry?

About 117 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is South River Road over Houghton Brook?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns South River Road over Houghton Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.