US Bridges

Nh 16 over Ellis River

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · 1.5 MI Jackson Tl · Structure no. 020950650007300

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 16 over Ellis River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nh 16 over Ellis River in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 62 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.

It carries about 3,350 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,958 by 2043. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNh 16
CrossesEllis River
Location1.5 MI Jackson Tl
RouteState Highway 16
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.25531, -71.25315
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,350 (2023)
Projected traffic4,958 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 Ellis River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Nh 16 over Ellis 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Nh 16 over Ellis River carry?

About 3,350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16 over Ellis River?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 16 over Ellis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.