US Bridges

US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST

Good

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · Pembroke-Allenstown Tl · Structure no. 000400680005500

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
440 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,285
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST is a steel truss - deck carrying US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,285 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,741 by 2043. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 3
CrossesSuncook River Buck ST
LocationPembroke-Allenstown Tl
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.1307, -71.4462
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span168 ft (51.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,285 (2023)
Projected traffic13,741 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible 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 Suncook River Buck ST built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST carry?

About 9,285 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 168 ft (51.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Suncook River Buck ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.