US Bridges

Owen Road over Bishop Brook

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · 0.3 MI FR Bishop Brook R · Structure no. 024101050011100

Built
1915
110 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Owen Road over Bishop Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Owen Road over Bishop Brook in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1915 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 110 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 96 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesOwen Road
CrossesBishop Brook
Location0.3 MI FR Bishop Brook R
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.96942, -71.45647
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Owen Road over Bishop Brook built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Owen Road over Bishop 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Owen Road over Bishop Brook carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Owen Road over Bishop Brook?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Owen Road over Bishop Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.