US Bridges

NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 1.6 MI S Warner Tl · Structure no. 012901020014300

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,971
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River is a concrete continuous frame carrying NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5 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 6,971 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,317 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesNH103 NH127
CrossesContoocook River
Location1.6 MI S Warner Tl
RouteState Highway 103
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.22301, -71.71416
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.4 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,971 (2023)
Projected traffic10,317 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NH103 NH127 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River carry?

About 6,971 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NH103 NH127 over Contoocook River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.