US Bridges

River Road over Cold River

Fair

Sullivan County, New Hampshire · 0.97 MI No JCT Nh 123A · Structure no. 000101590008600

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Road over Cold River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying River Road over Cold River in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 5 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 105 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 155 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver Road
CrossesCold River
Location0.97 MI No JCT Nh 123A
RouteState Highway 0
CountySullivan County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates43.20501, -72.23954
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating27.7 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2023)
Projected traffic155 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 River Road over Cold River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does River Road over Cold River carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is River Road over Cold River?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns River Road over Cold River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.