US Bridges

US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 0.2 MI East Henniker T/L · Structure no. 012900490009600

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
314 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,117
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 64 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 17,117 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,333 by 2043. The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS202 Nh 9
CrossesContoocook River
Location0.2 MI East Henniker T/L
RouteU.S. Route 202
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.17875, -71.75143
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length314 ft (95.7 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,117 (2023)
Projected traffic25,333 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook 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 US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River carry?

About 17,117 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River?

The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US202 Nh 9 over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.