US Bridges

US 1 over Piscataqua River

Good

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · Nh-Maine Sl · Structure no. 021702470008400

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
903 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,471
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 over Piscataqua River is a steel movable - lift carrying US 1 over Piscataqua River in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 104 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,471 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,017 by 2043. The structure is 903 ft (275.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1
CrossesPiscataqua River
LocationNh-Maine Sl
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyRockingham County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.07961, -70.75255
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length903 ft (275.1 m)
Longest span297 ft (90.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,471 (2023)
Projected traffic14,017 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 1 over Piscataqua River built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US 1 over Piscataqua River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does US 1 over Piscataqua River carry?

About 9,471 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 1 over Piscataqua River?

The structure is 903 ft (275.1 m) long with a longest span of 297 ft (90.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 1 over Piscataqua River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.