US Bridges

Ri 138 over Third ST

Fair

Newport County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 214 · Structure no. 000000000009030

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
28,743
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 138 over Third ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 138 over Third ST 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 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 28,743 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,492 by 2036. The structure is 92 ft (27.9 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.1 mi (87 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRi 138
CrossesThird ST
Location0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 214
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNewport County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.50016, -71.31973
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (27.9 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.4 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,743 (2015)
Projected traffic34,492 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed54.1 mi (87 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$4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 138 over Third ST built?

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

What condition is Ri 138 over Third ST 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 Ri 138 over Third ST carry?

About 28,743 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ri 138 over Third ST?

The structure is 92 ft (27.9 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 138 over Third ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.