US Bridges

Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook

FairPosted for load

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · 2.41 KM SW of Hill · Structure no. CEPNEDNH3310004

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesOld Route 3A
CrossesNeedle Shop Brook
Location2.41 KM SW of Hill
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyMerrimack County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.52934, -71.69626
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.1 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2023)
Projected traffic20 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Route 3A over Needle Shop 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Old Route 3A over Needle Shop Brook?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).