US Bridges

Charles ST over West River

Good

Providence County, Rhode Island · 0.25 MI N of Admiral ST · Structure no. 000000000009730

Built
1894
131 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,777
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Charles ST over West River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Charles ST over West River in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1894 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 131 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,777 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,333 by 2036. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesCharles ST
CrossesWest River
Location0.25 MI N of Admiral ST
RouteState Highway 246
Coordinates41.84424, -71.41851
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating56.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,777 (2015)
Projected traffic9,333 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$4.1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Charles ST over West River built?

It was built in 1894, making it 131 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Charles ST over West River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Charles ST over West River carry?

About 7,777 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Charles ST over West River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Charles ST over West River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.