US Bridges

Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook

Fair

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · 0.2 MI FR Lyndeborough T · Structure no. 017200730015400

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,716
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook is a steel culvert carrying Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, younger 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 6 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 1,716 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,539 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPurgatory Road
CrossesPurgatory Brook
Location0.2 MI FR Lyndeborough T
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.85339, -71.69741
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,716 (2023)
Projected traffic2,539 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook carry?

About 1,716 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Purgatory Road over Purgatory Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.