US Bridges

Blair Road over Pemigewasset River

FairPosted for load

Grafton County, New Hampshire · 0.15 MI E JCT US 3 · Structure no. 003501170007600

Built
1869
156 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
288 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,584
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blair Road over Pemigewasset River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Blair Road over Pemigewasset River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1869 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 156 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,584 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,344 by 2043. The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBlair Road
CrossesPemigewasset River
Location0.15 MI E JCT US 3
RouteState Highway 0
CountyGrafton County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.81032, -71.66562
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length288 ft (87.8 m)
Longest span141 ft (43 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck9 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,584 (2023)
Projected traffic2,344 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 Blair Road over Pemigewasset River built?

It was built in 1869, making it 156 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Blair Road over Pemigewasset 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Blair Road over Pemigewasset River carry?

About 1,584 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Blair Road over Pemigewasset River?

The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (43 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Blair Road over Pemigewasset River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.