US Bridges

River ST over Blackstone River

FairPosted for load

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.3 MI S of Mass Line · Structure no. 000000000009560

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
208 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,458
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

River ST over Blackstone River is a steel truss - thru carrying River ST over Blackstone River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 4,458 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,904 by 2041. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 54 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver ST
CrossesBlackstone River
Location0.3 MI S of Mass Line
RouteCity Street 0
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates42.00519, -71.52485
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span201 ft (61.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,458 (2021)
Projected traffic4,904 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$3.9 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River ST over Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does River ST over Blackstone River carry?

About 4,458 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is River ST over Blackstone River?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 201 ft (61.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns River ST over Blackstone River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.