US Bridges

Church ST over Saugatucket River

FairPosted for load

Washington County, Rhode Island · 0.4 MI W of JCT Ri 108 · Structure no. 000000000005640

Built
1882
143 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,449
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Church ST over Saugatucket River is a masonry arch - deck carrying Church ST over Saugatucket River in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1882, so it is 143 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 3,449 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,794 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesChurch ST
CrossesSaugatucket River
Location0.4 MI W of JCT Ri 108
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWashington County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.44776, -71.49674
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,449 (2021)
Projected traffic3,794 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Church ST over Saugatucket River built?

It was built in 1882, making it 143 years old in 2025.

What condition is Church ST over Saugatucket 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 2023.

How much traffic does Church ST over Saugatucket River carry?

About 3,449 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Church ST over Saugatucket River?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Church ST over Saugatucket River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.