US Bridges

Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk

Good

Strafford County, New Hampshire · .3 MI from Jct. Rt 16 · Structure no. 006501270010400

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
190 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,140
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 68 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 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 1,140 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,687 by 2043. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 35 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCataract Avenue
CrossesNh 16 SP Tpk
Location.3 MI from Jct. Rt 16
RouteCity Street 0
CountyStrafford County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.183, -70.88266
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,140 (2023)
Projected traffic1,687 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
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)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk carry?

About 1,140 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Cataract Avenue over Nh 16 SP Tpk?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.