US Bridges

Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook

PoorPosted for load

Kent County, Rhode Island · 1.0 MI W of JCT Lws FM RD · Structure no. 000000000008460

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook in Kent County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesNicholas RD
CrossesRoaring Brook
Location1.0 MI W of JCT Lws FM RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKent County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.68138, -71.77192
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating8.9 US tons
Inventory rating6.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2021)
Projected traffic29 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$10.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Nicholas RD over Roaring Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.