US Bridges

Eastern Dist Road over Smith River

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · .07 MI FR Sunapee Lake R · Structure no. 005801410014200

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
142
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Eastern Dist Road over Smith River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Eastern Dist Road over Smith River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 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 142 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesEastern Dist Road
CrossesSmith River
Location.07 MI FR Sunapee Lake R
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.52696, -71.82592
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic142 (2023)
Projected traffic210 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Eastern Dist Road over Smith River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Eastern Dist 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 Eastern Dist Road over Smith River carry?

About 142 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Eastern Dist Road over Smith River?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Eastern Dist Road over Smith River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.