US Bridges

Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook

Good

Strafford County, New Hampshire · 1.2 MI from Jct. Rt 202A · Structure no. 022201470009900

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
39,505
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2011, 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 39,505 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,467 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNh 16 SP Tpk
CrossesAxehandle Brook
Location1.2 MI from Jct. Rt 202A
RouteState Highway 16
CountyStrafford County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.29032, -70.98929
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,505 (2023)
Projected traffic58,467 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook carry?

About 39,505 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Nh 16 SP Tpk over Axehandle Brook?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.