US Bridges

Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River

Fair

Washington County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI N of JCT Ri 78 · Structure no. 000000000001990

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
87 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,452
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 8,452 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,297 by 2041. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesRi 3 Main ST
CrossesPawcatuck River
Location0.5 MI N of JCT Ri 78
RouteState Highway 3
CountyWashington County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.39939, -71.79979
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
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.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,452 (2021)
Projected traffic9,297 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River carry?

About 8,452 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 3 Main ST over Pawcatuck River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.