US Bridges

US 3 over Simms Stream

Good

Coos County, New Hampshire · 0.5 MI SW Colebrook Tl · Structure no. 005101080016700

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,453
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Simms Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 3 over Simms Stream in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,453 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,110 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 3
CrossesSimms Stream
Location0.5 MI SW Colebrook Tl
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.8745, -71.51748
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,453 (2023)
Projected traffic5,110 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 US 3 over Simms Stream built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Simms Stream in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 3 over Simms Stream carry?

About 3,453 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Simms Stream?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Simms Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.