US Bridges

Ri 138 over East Shore RD

Fair

Newport County, Rhode Island · 0.1 MI NW of Nwprt Brdge · Structure no. 000000000008800

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,100
2021 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Ri 138 over East Shore RD is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 138 over East Shore RD in Newport County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 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 4,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,510 by 2041. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRi 138
CrossesEast Shore RD
Location0.1 MI NW of Nwprt Brdge
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNewport County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.5086, -71.36425
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,100 (2021)
Projected traffic4,510 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.3 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 138 over East Shore RD built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ri 138 over East Shore RD 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 138 over East Shore RD carry?

About 4,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ri 138 over East Shore RD?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 138 over East Shore RD?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.