US Bridges

Fdr 53 over Mad River

FairPosted for load

Grafton County, New Hampshire · Map 38 · Structure no. 092204000001055

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Fdr 53 over Mad River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fdr 53 over Mad River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2005. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFdr 53
CrossesMad River
LocationMap 38
RouteFederal Lands Road 53
CountyGrafton County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.96911, -71.50778
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2005
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$125,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fdr 53 over Mad River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fdr 53 over Mad 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 2023.

How much traffic does Fdr 53 over Mad River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Fdr 53 over Mad River?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Fdr 53 over Mad River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.