US Bridges

Western Ave over Canal

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 2.9 MI FR Hillsborough T · Structure no. 012000960010500

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Western Ave over Canal is a concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Western Ave over Canal in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 96 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 6 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 96 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesWestern Ave
CrossesCanal
Location2.9 MI FR Hillsborough T
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.17001, -71.84268
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Western Ave over Canal built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Western Ave over Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does Western Ave over Canal carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Western Ave over Canal?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Western Ave over Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.