US Bridges

NH127 over Tail Race

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 1.1 Mile N JCT US202 Nh 9 · Structure no. 012900590011100

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,434
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH127 over Tail Race is a concrete culvert carrying NH127 over Tail Race in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 3,434 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,082 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH127
CrossesTail Race
Location1.1 Mile N JCT US202 Nh 9
RouteState Highway 127
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.19241, -71.74759
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,434 (2023)
Projected traffic5,082 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NH127 over Tail Race built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is NH127 over Tail Race 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 NH127 over Tail Race carry?

About 3,434 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NH127 over Tail Race?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m).

Who owns NH127 over Tail Race?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.