US Bridges

Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River

Good

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 0.3 MI JCT RTE 132 · Structure no. 005200700011700

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
407 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,708
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 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 3,708 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,487 by 2043. The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSewalls Falls Road
CrossesMerrimack River
Location0.3 MI JCT RTE 132
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.27118, -71.56469
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating88.4 US tons
Inventory rating68.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length407 ft (124.1 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,708 (2023)
Projected traffic5,487 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sewalls Falls Road 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 Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River carry?

About 3,708 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River?

The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Sewalls Falls Road over Merrimack River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.