US Bridges

Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook

Poor

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · Nashua-Merrimack T.L. · Structure no. 016801060004200

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
44,365
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 44,365 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,660 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesFee Tpk SB
CrossesPennichuck Brook
LocationNashua-Merrimack T.L.
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.80465, -71.49897
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 8 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,365 (2023)
Projected traffic65,660 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
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 Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook carry?

About 44,365 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Fee Tpk SB over Pennichuck Brook?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.