US Bridges

US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal

FairPosted for load

Providence County, Rhode Island · 1.0 MI W of JCT Ri 116 · Structure no. 000000000001550

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 1936
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,715
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal is a concrete slab carrying US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1918 and reconstructed in 1936, so it is 107 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 15,715 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,287 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 44 Putnam Pike
CrossesMill Canal
Location1.0 MI W of JCT Ri 116
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.87739, -71.57047
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,715 (2021)
Projected traffic17,287 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1936.

What condition is US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal carry?

About 15,715 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns US 44 Putnam Pike over Mill Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.