US Bridges

Forest Road over Contoocook River

FairPosted for load

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · 1.0 MI East of RTE 202 · Structure no. 011201580006800

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
88 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,818
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Road over Contoocook River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Forest Road over Contoocook River in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,818 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,170 by 2043. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesForest Road
CrossesContoocook River
Location1.0 MI East of RTE 202
RouteState Highway 0
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.95674, -71.93484
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,818 (2023)
Projected traffic4,170 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 Forest Road over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forest Road over Contoocook 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 Forest Road over Contoocook River carry?

About 2,818 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Forest Road over Contoocook River?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Road over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.