US Bridges

US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 5.2MI from Franklin T.L. · Structure no. 008801640012100

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,205
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 14,205 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,023 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 3 Nh 11
CrossesWinnipesaukee River
Location5.2MI from Franklin T.L.
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.44561, -71.64249
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,205 (2023)
Projected traffic21,023 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee 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 US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River carry?

About 14,205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 Nh 11 over Winnipesaukee River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.