US Bridges

US 3 over Gale River

Good

Grafton County, New Hampshire · 2.0 MI from Franconia Tl · Structure no. 002401670017400

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,876
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Gale River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 3 over Gale River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the New Hampshire average of 56.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,876 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,216 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesUS 3
CrossesGale River
Location2.0 MI from Franconia Tl
RouteU.S. Route 3
Coordinates44.24376, -71.63825
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,876 (2023)
Projected traffic7,216 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
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 Gale River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Gale River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does US 3 over Gale River carry?

About 4,876 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Gale River?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Gale River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.