US Bridges

Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook

Fair

Kent County, Rhode Island · 0.9 MI N of JCT Ri 2 · Structure no. 000000000007640

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
64,000
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook is a concrete culvert carrying Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook in Kent County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 55 years old, older than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 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 64,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 76,800 by 2036. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRi 4 NB & SB
CrossesFrenchtown Brook
Location0.9 MI N of JCT Ri 2
RouteState Highway 4
CountyKent County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.62534, -71.48683
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.7 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.5 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic64,000 (2015)
Projected traffic76,800 by 2036
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$10 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook carry?

About 64,000 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.7 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 4 NB & SB over Frenchtown Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.