US Bridges

Nh 16 over Clay Brook

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · 0.7 MI NE Martins Loc. · Structure no. 009700770003800

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,075
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 16 over Clay Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nh 16 over Clay Brook in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 5,075 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,511 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNh 16
CrossesClay Brook
Location0.7 MI NE Martins Loc.
RouteState Highway 16
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.34584, -71.19546
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,075 (2023)
Projected traffic7,511 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Nh 16 over Clay Brook built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Nh 16 over Clay 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 Nh 16 over Clay Brook carry?

About 5,075 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16 over Clay Brook?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 16 over Clay Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.