US Bridges

Smith Bridge Road over Baker River

Good

Grafton County, New Hampshire · .31 MI N JCT Nh 3-A · Structure no. 021600870015200

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
170 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,132
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith Bridge Road over Baker River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Smith Bridge Road over Baker River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 2,132 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,155 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSmith Bridge Road
CrossesBaker River
Location.31 MI N JCT Nh 3-A
RouteState Highway 0
CountyGrafton County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.77534, -71.73909
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span162 ft (49.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,132 (2023)
Projected traffic3,155 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Smith Bridge Road over Baker River built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith Bridge Road over Baker 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Smith Bridge Road over Baker River carry?

About 2,132 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Smith Bridge Road over Baker River?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 162 ft (49.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Smith Bridge Road over Baker River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.