US Bridges

NH123A over Cold River

Good

Sullivan County, New Hampshire · 4.16 Mi. from Langdon Tl · Structure no. 000101240005700

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
369
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NH123A over Cold River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NH123A over Cold River in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 64 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 369 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 546 by 2043. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesNH123A
CrossesCold River
Location4.16 Mi. from Langdon Tl
RouteState Highway 123A
Coordinates43.18529, -72.27307
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating83.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic369 (2023)
Projected traffic546 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 NH123A over Cold River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is NH123A over Cold River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does NH123A over Cold River carry?

About 369 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NH123A over Cold River?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NH123A over Cold River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.