US Bridges

Dow Avenue over Gale River

FairPosted for load

Grafton County, New Hampshire · 0.5 Mi. RTE 116 · Structure no. 008700590011700

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Other
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dow Avenue over Gale River is a steel other carrying Dow Avenue over Gale River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 115 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 235 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 347 by 2043. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesDow Avenue
CrossesGale River
Location0.5 Mi. RTE 116
CountyGrafton County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates44.22486, -71.74207
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.5 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2023)
Projected traffic347 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Dow Avenue over Gale River built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Dow Avenue over Gale 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 Dow Avenue over Gale River carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Dow Avenue over Gale River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Dow Avenue over Gale River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.