US Bridges

US 2 over Cold Brook

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · 4.5 MI from Jefferson Tl · Structure no. 021801220006100

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,195
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2 over Cold Brook is a prestressed concrete culvert carrying US 2 over Cold Brook in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,195 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,688 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.9 mi (90 km).

CarriesUS 2
CrossesCold Brook
Location4.5 MI from Jefferson Tl
RouteU.S. Route 2
Coordinates44.37072, -71.29839
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,195 (2023)
Projected traffic7,688 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.9 mi (90 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 US 2 over Cold Brook built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 2 over Cold 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 2 over Cold Brook carry?

About 5,195 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 2 over Cold Brook?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m).

Who owns US 2 over Cold Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.