US Bridges

Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal

FairPosted for load

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI W of JCT Ri 122 · Structure no. 000000000001790

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
57
2021 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 75 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 load restriction.

It carries about 57 vehicles a day, projected to reach 63 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesLower River RD
CrossesBlackstone Canal
Location0.5 MI W of JCT Ri 122
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.93759, -71.43446
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57 (2021)
Projected traffic63 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Lower River RD over Blackstone 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal carry?

About 57 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Lower River RD over Blackstone Canal?

It is owned by the State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency.