US Bridges

Cotton Road over Baker Brook

Fair

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 0.9 MI from Shaker ST #8 · Structure no. 025001390015300

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
96
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cotton Road over Baker Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cotton Road over Baker Brook in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 96 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 142 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCotton Road
CrossesBaker Brook
Location0.9 MI from Shaker ST #8
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.38137, -71.91604
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width10 ft (2.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2023)
Projected traffic142 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Cotton Road over Baker Brook built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cotton Road over Baker 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cotton Road over Baker Brook carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Cotton Road over Baker Brook?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Cotton Road over Baker Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.