US Bridges

Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR

Fair

Newport County, Rhode Island · 0.4 MI S of JCT Ri 214 · Structure no. 000000000009040

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
155 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
26,700
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR in Newport County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 26,700 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,040 by 2036. The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRi 138
CrossesNewport Sec RR
Location0.4 MI S of JCT Ri 214
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNewport County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.5008, -71.3181
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length155 ft (47.2 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,700 (2008)
Projected traffic32,040 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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$6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR 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 Newport Sec RR carry?

About 26,700 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR?

The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 138 over Newport Sec RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.