US Bridges

US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River

Fair

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · 0.3 MI from Nh 130 · Structure no. 017701010011800

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
338 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
73,979
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 70 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 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 73,979 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 109,488 by 2043. The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 3 Fee Tpk NB
CrossesNashua River
Location0.3 MI from Nh 130
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyHillsborough County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates42.76409, -71.49337
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.5 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length338 ft (103 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.5 m)
Roadway width97 ft (29.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73,979 (2023)
Projected traffic109,488 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a toll 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 US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River carry?

About 73,979 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River?

The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 Fee Tpk NB over Nashua River?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.