US Bridges

Forest Road over Cold River

Fair

Sullivan County, New Hampshire · 1.06 MI from Langdontl · Structure no. 000100840004200

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
153
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Road over Cold River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Road over Cold River in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 153 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 226 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Road
CrossesCold River
Location1.06 MI from Langdontl
CountySullivan County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.17356, -72.3136
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic153 (2023)
Projected traffic226 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 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 Forest Road over Cold River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forest Road over Cold 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 Forest Road over Cold River carry?

About 153 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Forest Road over Cold River?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Road over Cold River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.