US Bridges

US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.1 MI S of 44 EB Ri 102 · Structure no. 000000000001000

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1937
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1937, so it is 105 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 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,380 by 2041. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 44 Putnam Pike
CrossesChepachet River
Location0.1 MI S of 44 EB Ri 102
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.91391, -71.67018
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating86.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2021)
Projected traffic6,380 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$1.8 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1937.

What condition is US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River carry?

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US 44 Putnam Pike over Chepachet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.