US Bridges

US 4 over Merrimack River

Good

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · Canterbury T.L. · Structure no. 002601420003800

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
593 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,071
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 4 over Merrimack River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 4 over Merrimack River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 15,071 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,305 by 2043. The structure is 593 ft (180.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 4
CrossesMerrimack River
LocationCanterbury T.L.
RouteCity Street 4
Coordinates43.28986, -71.58795
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating97.2 US tons
Inventory rating58.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length593 ft (180.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,071 (2023)
Projected traffic22,305 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 4 over Merrimack River built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 4 over Merrimack River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 4 over Merrimack River carry?

About 15,071 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 4 over Merrimack River?

The structure is 593 ft (180.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US 4 over Merrimack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.