US Bridges

Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed)

FairPosted for load

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 0.2 MI Nh 11 · Structure no. 000801790014600

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
90 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed) is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed) in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 96 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesValley Road
CrossesRec Trail(rr Bed)
Location0.2 MI Nh 11
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.47189, -71.74383
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.4 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed) built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed) 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed) carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed)?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Road over Rec Trail(rr Bed)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.