US Bridges

Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River

Fair

Grafton County, New Hampshire · 1.7 MI Wentworth Tl · Structure no. 006401560015200

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River is a steel culvert carrying Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHearse House Road
CrossesS Branch Baker River
Location1.7 MI Wentworth Tl
CountyGrafton County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.80011, -71.92399
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River carry?

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

How long is Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m).

Who owns Hearse House Road over S Branch Baker River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.