Massachusetts Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis
A comprehensive look at Massachusetts's bridge inventory, including condition grades, highest-traffic crossings, worst-rated structures, and oldest bridges.
Massachusetts is home to 5,310 bridges spanning 14 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 108,910,245 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of Massachusetts's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.
5,310
Total Bridges
C
Infrastructure Grade
9.4%
Poor Condition
65 years
Average Age
Massachusetts at a Glance
Massachusetts earns an overall infrastructure grade of C based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 501 bridges (9.4%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in Massachusetts is 65 years old, older than the national average of 48 years.
Of the state's 5,310 bridges, 1,290 are in good condition, 3,519 are fair, and 501 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [Massachusetts report card](/reports/massachusetts).
Most-Traveled Bridges in Massachusetts
These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across Massachusetts. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I 93 over ST 60 WB/SALEM ST | 63.1 |
| 2 | I 93 over ST 60 EB/SALEM ST | 68.3 |
| 3 | I 93 over WATER MYSTIC RIVER | 72.0 |
| 4 | ST 3 over WATER MONATIQUOT RIVER | 63.1 |
| 5 | ST 3 over HWY SUMMER ST | 63.1 |
| 6 | I 93 /US1/ST3 over COMB MBTA & RED LN SSH | 61.7 |
| 7 | I 91 over HWY MAIN ST (S END) | 54.8 |
| 8 | I 93 over HWY VALLEY ST & FLLSWY | 66.8 |
| 9 | I 93 over HWY MONTVALE AVE | 63.3 |
| 10 | I 95 NB/ST128 NB over RR AMTRAK/MBTA | 73.3 |
Worst-Condition Bridges in Massachusetts
The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in Massachusetts. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HWY PROSPECT AVE over RR PVRR | 9.9 |
| 2 | HWY BODEN LN over RR MBTA/CSX | 11.2 |
| 3 | HWY RIVER ST over RR AMTRAK/MBTA | 13.9 |
| 4 | HWY MAIN ST over RR GWRR | 14.1 |
| 5 | HWY HOSPITAL RD over WATER QUABOAG STREAM | 15.1 |
| 6 | HWY BRDWL FER RD over WATER DEERFIELD RIVER | 15.6 |
| 7 | HWY OLD SPFLD RD over WATER MILL RIVER | 16.0 |
| 8 | HWY CENTER ST over WATER SAWMILL RIVER | 16.4 |
| 9 | INDIAN HOLLOW ROAD over LITTLE RIVER | 16.5 |
| 10 | HWY BROOKSIDE RD over WATER HOUSATONIC RIVER | 17.5 |
Oldest Bridges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ST 1 A/S MAIN ST over WATER IPSWICH RIVER | 62.3 |
| 2 | HWY ADAMS ST over WATER NEPONSET RIVER | 58.0 |
| 3 | ST 79 ELM ST over WATER ASSONET RIVER | 62.6 |
| 4 | HWY MERRIMACK ST over WATER MERRIMACK CANAL | 69.4 |
| 5 | HWY RUSSELLS MIL over WATER PASKAMANSETT RIVER | 58.8 |
| 6 | HWY MERRIMACK ST over WATER WESTERN CANAL | 64.2 |
| 7 | HWY BROADWAY over WATER WESTERN CANAL | 56.6 |
| 8 | HWY HIGHLAND ST over WATER IPSWICH RIVER | 56.4 |
| 9 | HWY CENTRAL ST over WATER LWR PAWTUCKET CNL | 71.0 |
| 10 | HWY KEARNEY SQ over WATER EASTERN CANAL | 67.8 |
What These Numbers Mean for Massachusetts
Massachusetts's bridge infrastructure grade of C reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 65 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.
For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [Massachusetts state page](/bridges/massachusetts) or the [Massachusetts report card](/reports/massachusetts). You can also explore how Massachusetts compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).
Data source: All data comes from the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BridgeStats is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Data is provided for informational purposes only.
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