US Bridges

Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 1.4 MI from Franklin · Structure no. 012301570010800

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,664
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook is a concrete frame carrying Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook 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 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 2,664 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,942 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNh 3A
CrossesNeedle Shop Brook
Location1.4 MI from Franklin
RouteState Highway 3A
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.52798, -71.71537
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,664 (2023)
Projected traffic3,942 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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook built?

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

What condition is Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook carry?

About 2,664 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 3A over Needle Shop Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.