US Bridges

US 3 over Connecticut River

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · 17.4 MI E of Route 145 · Structure no. 021001960013000

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
89
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Connecticut River is a concrete culvert carrying US 3 over Connecticut River in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 89 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 131 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesUS 3
CrossesConnecticut River
Location17.4 MI E of Route 145
RouteU.S. Route 3
Coordinates45.18973, -71.19005
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic89 (2023)
Projected traffic131 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Connecticut River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Connecticut 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 US 3 over Connecticut River carry?

About 89 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Connecticut River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m).

Who owns US 3 over Connecticut River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.