US Bridges

NH149 over Contoocook River

Fair

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · .1 Mi. from Jct. US 202 · Structure no. 012201440003300

Built
1893
132 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
246 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,507
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH149 over Contoocook River is a concrete frame carrying NH149 over Contoocook River in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1893 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 132 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.

It carries about 4,507 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,670 by 2043. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH149
CrossesContoocook River
Location.1 Mi. from Jct. US 202
RouteState Highway 149
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.11337, -71.89412
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,507 (2023)
Projected traffic6,670 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 NH149 over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1893, making it 132 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is NH149 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NH149 over Contoocook River carry?

About 4,507 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NH149 over Contoocook River?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NH149 over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.