US Bridges

Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake

FairPosted for load

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.7 MI E of JCT US 1 · Structure no. 000000000008890

Built
1889
136 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,746
2021 count
Owner
Local
Local Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake is a masonry arch - deck carrying Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1889, so it is 136 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 6,746 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,421 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMemorial Blvd
CrossesPolo Lake
Location0.7 MI E of JCT US 1
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.7862, -71.41492
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
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,746 (2021)
Projected traffic7,421 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byLocal Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.7 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake built?

It was built in 1889, making it 136 years old in 2025.

What condition is Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake 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 Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake carry?

About 6,746 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Memorial Blvd over Polo Lake?

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