US Bridges

Western Ave over Contoocook River

Good

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 2.7 MI FR Hillsborough T · Structure no. 012000950010100

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Other
Steel
Length
336 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
551
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Western Ave over Contoocook River is a steel other carrying Western Ave over Contoocook River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 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 551 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 815 by 2043. The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesWestern Ave
CrossesContoocook River
Location2.7 MI FR Hillsborough T
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.16754, -71.84179
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length336 ft (102.4 m)
Longest span163 ft (49.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic551 (2023)
Projected traffic815 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Western Ave over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is Western Ave over Contoocook 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Western Ave over Contoocook River carry?

About 551 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Western Ave over Contoocook River?

The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long with a longest span of 163 ft (49.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Western Ave over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.