US Bridges

Sayles ST over Blackstone River

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.1 MI W of Bernon ST · Structure no. 000000000006890

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,595
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sayles ST over Blackstone River is a steel truss - thru carrying Sayles ST over Blackstone River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,595 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,755 by 2041. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSayles ST
CrossesBlackstone River
Location0.1 MI W of Bernon ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates42.00066, -71.51821
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,595 (2021)
Projected traffic1,755 by 2041
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sayles ST over Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sayles 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Sayles ST over Blackstone River carry?

About 1,595 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sayles ST over Blackstone River?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Sayles ST over Blackstone River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.