US Bridges

Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream

Good

Coos County, New Hampshire · 0.6 MI from Dixville Tl · Structure no. 017251060017400

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
981
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream is a concrete frame carrying Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 981 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,451 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.9 mi (90 km).

CarriesNh 26
CrossesWest Branch Clear Stream
Location0.6 MI from Dixville Tl
RouteState Highway 26
Coordinates44.81524, -71.24747
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic981 (2023)
Projected traffic1,451 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.9 mi (90 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 Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nh 26 over West Branch Clear 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream carry?

About 981 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 26 over West Branch Clear Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.