US Bridges

NH127 over Spillway Channel

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 2.77 MI JCT US 202 · Structure no. 012900890011400

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
276 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,434
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH127 over Spillway Channel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NH127 over Spillway Channel in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 3,434 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,082 by 2043. The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH127
CrossesSpillway Channel
Location2.77 MI JCT US 202
RouteState Highway 127
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.19863, -71.71816
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 rating64.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length276 ft (84.1 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,434 (2023)
Projected traffic5,082 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Spillway Channel built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is NH127 over Spillway Channel 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 Spillway Channel carry?

About 3,434 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is NH127 over Spillway Channel?

The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NH127 over Spillway Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.