US Bridges

Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River

FairPosted for load

Coos County, New Hampshire · Vermont State Line · Structure no. 005100770014000

Built
1912
113 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 113 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 5 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 180 vehicles a day, projected to reach 266 by 2043. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesColumbia Bridge RD
CrossesConnecticut River
LocationVermont State Line
RouteState Highway 0
Coordinates44.85312, -71.55161
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating10.8 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2023)
Projected traffic266 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Columbia Bridge RD over Connecticut River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.