US Bridges

Potowomut RD over Potowomut River

Fair

Washington County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI S of Forge RD · Structure no. 000000000009920

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
588
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potowomut RD over Potowomut River is a concrete tee beam carrying Potowomut RD over Potowomut River in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6 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 588 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 647 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPotowomut RD
CrossesPotowomut River
Location0.5 MI S of Forge RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWashington County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.62989, -71.45311
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic588 (2021)
Projected traffic647 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potowomut RD over Potowomut River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potowomut RD over Potowomut 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Potowomut RD over Potowomut River carry?

About 588 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Potowomut RD over Potowomut River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Potowomut RD over Potowomut River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.