US Bridges

Watson Road over Cocheco River

Good

Strafford County, New Hampshire · 2.8 MI from Barrington T · Structure no. 006500790014000

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
145 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,901
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watson Road over Cocheco River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watson Road over Cocheco River in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,901 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,293 by 2043. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesWatson Road
CrossesCocheco River
Location2.8 MI from Barrington T
RouteCity Street 0
CountyStrafford County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.21408, -70.92272
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,901 (2023)
Projected traffic4,293 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible 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 Watson Road over Cocheco River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watson Road over Cocheco 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 2024.

How much traffic does Watson Road over Cocheco River carry?

About 2,901 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Watson Road over Cocheco River?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Watson Road over Cocheco River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.