US Bridges

Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook

Poor

Coos County, New Hampshire · 0.2 MI East JCT Nh 16 · Structure no. 020950820008700

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2027. The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Nh 16
CrossesThompson Brook
Location0.2 MI East JCT Nh 16
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.26765, -71.23494
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 8 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.5 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2007)
Projected traffic7 by 2027
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2007 count).

How long is Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook?

The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Old Nh 16 over Thompson Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.