US Bridges

Jones Road over Beards Brook

PoorPosted for load

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · 1.3 MI FR Nh RTE 31 · Structure no. 012201000007000

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jones Road over Beards Brook is a masonry culvert carrying Jones Road over Beards Brook in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 96 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesJones Road
CrossesBeards Brook
Location1.3 MI FR Nh RTE 31
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.13026, -71.94472
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 16 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.8 US tons
Inventory rating6.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 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 structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Jones Road over Beards Brook built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Jones Road over Beards Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Jones Road over Beards Brook carry?

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

How long is Jones Road over Beards Brook?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns Jones Road over Beards Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.