US Bridges

Deerfield Road over Bear Brook

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 1.3 MI NE JCT 28 · Structure no. 000401290010300

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,759
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Deerfield Road over Bear Brook is a steel culvert carrying Deerfield Road over Bear Brook in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 2,759 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,083 by 2043. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDeerfield Road
CrossesBear Brook
Location1.3 MI NE JCT 28
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.16283, -71.38574
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,759 (2023)
Projected traffic4,083 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Deerfield Road over Bear Brook built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Deerfield Road over Bear 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Deerfield Road over Bear Brook carry?

About 2,759 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Deerfield Road over Bear Brook?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Deerfield Road over Bear Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.