US Bridges

Main ST over Blackstone River

Fair

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.2 MI W of JCT I-95 · Structure no. 000000000009660

Built
1858
167 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
109 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,040
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main ST over Blackstone River is a masonry arch - deck carrying Main ST over Blackstone River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1858 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 167 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 16,040 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,248 by 2036. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 24 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain ST
CrossesBlackstone River
Location0.2 MI W of JCT I-95
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.87652, -71.38328
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,040 (2015)
Projected traffic19,248 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$9.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Main ST over Blackstone River built?

It was built in 1858, making it 167 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Main 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Main ST over Blackstone River carry?

About 16,040 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Main ST over Blackstone River?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Main ST over Blackstone River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.