US Bridges

Ford Mill Road over Smith River

FairPosted for load

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · .09 MI Mascoma RD · Structure no. 005801160007500

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ford Mill Road over Smith River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ford Mill Road over Smith River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 96 vehicles a day, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFord Mill Road
CrossesSmith River
Location.09 MI Mascoma RD
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.54778, -71.89096
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Ford Mill Road over Smith River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ford Mill Road over Smith 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ford Mill Road over Smith River carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Ford Mill Road over Smith River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Ford Mill Road over Smith River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.