US Bridges

NH125 over Cocheco River

Fair

Strafford County, New Hampshire · .7 MI JCT Rt 16 · Structure no. 022201490011300

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,489
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH125 over Cocheco River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NH125 over Cocheco River in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 94 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 16,489 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,403 by 2043. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNH125
CrossesCocheco River
Location.7 MI JCT Rt 16
RouteState Highway 125
CountyStrafford County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.28884, -70.97633
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,489 (2023)
Projected traffic24,403 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 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 NH125 over Cocheco River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is NH125 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 2023.

How much traffic does NH125 over Cocheco River carry?

About 16,489 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NH125 over Cocheco River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NH125 over Cocheco River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.