US Bridges

Nh 26 over Connecticut River

Fair

Essex County, Vermont · Vermont State Line · Structure no. 200322B00105122

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
163 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
896
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nh 26 over Connecticut River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nh 26 over Connecticut River in Essex County, Vermont. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 72 years old, older than the Vermont average of 60.8 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 896 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,326 by 2041. The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesNh 26
CrossesConnecticut River
LocationVermont State Line
RouteState Highway 26
StateVermont
Coordinates44.89902, -71.50773
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length163 ft (49.8 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic896 (2021)
Projected traffic1,326 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nh 26 over Connecticut River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is Nh 26 over Connecticut 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 2024.

How much traffic does Nh 26 over Connecticut River carry?

About 896 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nh 26 over Connecticut River?

The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Nh 26 over Connecticut River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.