US Bridges

US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138

Poor

Washington County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 4 · Structure no. 000000000008960

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
173 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
46,800
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138 in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 46,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,160 by 2036. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1 Tower Hill RD
CrossesRi 138
Location0.5 MI S of JCT Ri 4
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyWashington County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.53015, -71.4661
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.5 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.6 m)
Roadway width94 ft (28.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46,800 (2015)
Projected traffic56,160 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$6.1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138 built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138 carry?

About 46,800 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.5 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns US 1 Tower Hill RD over Ri 138?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.