US Bridges

US 3 over Souhegan River

Fair

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · 0.03 MI from Railroad Ave · Structure no. 016801160012000

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1934
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
113 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,075
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Souhegan River is a masonry arch - deck carrying US 3 over Souhegan River in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1934, so it is 104 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 13,075 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,351 by 2043. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesUS 3
CrossesSouhegan River
Location0.03 MI from Railroad Ave
RouteU.S. Route 3
Coordinates42.86066, -71.49313
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 24 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckOther
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,075 (2023)
Projected traffic19,351 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 US 3 over Souhegan River built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1934.

What condition is US 3 over Souhegan 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 3 over Souhegan River carry?

About 13,075 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Souhegan River?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Souhegan River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.