US Bridges

NH202A over Cocheco River

Fair

Strafford County, New Hampshire · 1.2 MI from JCT Rt 16 · Structure no. 022201270010600

Built
1883
142 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,115
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH202A over Cocheco River is a masonry arch - deck carrying NH202A over Cocheco River in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1883 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 142 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.

It carries about 14,115 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,890 by 2043. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesNH202A
CrossesCocheco River
Location1.2 MI from JCT Rt 16
RouteState Highway 202A
CountyStrafford County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.30548, -70.97996
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,115 (2023)
Projected traffic20,890 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 NH202A over Cocheco River built?

It was built in 1883, making it 142 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is NH202A over Cocheco River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NH202A over Cocheco River carry?

About 14,115 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NH202A over Cocheco River?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns NH202A over Cocheco River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.