US Bridges

School ST over Blackstone River

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 1.0 MI W of JCT Ri 122 · Structure no. 000000000001640

Built
1885
140 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
207 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,811
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

School ST over Blackstone River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying School ST over Blackstone River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1885 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 140 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.

It carries about 3,811 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,192 by 2041. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSchool ST
CrossesBlackstone River
Location1.0 MI W of JCT Ri 122
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.95318, -71.45221
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,811 (2021)
Projected traffic4,192 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of relocation of road
Estimated improvement cost$9.9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was School ST over Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1885, making it 140 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is School ST over Blackstone 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does School ST over Blackstone River carry?

About 3,811 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is School ST over Blackstone River?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns School ST over Blackstone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.