US Bridges

Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River

FairPosted for load

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 123 · Structure no. 000000000002190

Built
1887
138 years old, rebuilt 1927
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1887 and reconstructed in 1927, so it is 138 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,820 by 2041. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRi 126 Smithfield
CrossesMoshassuck River
Location0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 123
RouteState Highway 126
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.89639, -71.41342
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2021)
Projected traffic6,820 by 2041
Trucks5%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River built?

It was built in 1887, making it 138 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1927.

What condition is Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 126 Smithfield over Moshassuck River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.