US Bridges

Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 220 Feet from Bog RD · Structure no. 005200690005200

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,615
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 5 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 2,615 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,870 by 2043. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesHorse Hill Road
CrossesContoocook River
Location220 Feet from Bog RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.24973, -71.61975
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,615 (2023)
Projected traffic3,870 by 2043
Trucks4%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Horse Hill Road over Contoocook 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River carry?

About 2,615 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Horse Hill Road over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.