US Bridges

Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 1.2 MI S of JCT I-195 · Structure no. 000000000001510

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,362
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 17,362 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,835 by 2036. The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVeterans Mem Pkwy
CrossesWatchemoket Cove
Location1.2 MI S of JCT I-195
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.80079, -71.37626
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,362 (2015)
Projected traffic20,835 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$5.4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove carry?

About 17,362 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove?

The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Veterans Mem Pkwy over Watchemoket Cove?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.