US Bridges

Central Pike over Hemlock Brook

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.1 MI W of JCT Ri 94 · Structure no. 000000000008595

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Pike over Hemlock Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Pike over Hemlock Brook in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 72 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 180 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 198 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Pike
CrossesHemlock Brook
Location0.1 MI W of JCT Ri 94
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.79952, -71.72955
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating101.4 US tons
Inventory rating78.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2021)
Projected traffic198 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$684,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Pike over Hemlock Brook built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is Central Pike over Hemlock Brook 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Central Pike over Hemlock Brook carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Central Pike over Hemlock Brook?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Central Pike over Hemlock Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.