A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
The Brooklyn Bridge was sold to gullible tourists so many times it became a saying.
over WATER MERRIMACK RIVER
AT MERRIMACK RIVER
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 6 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 16,700 vehicles per day and is 176 years old (reconstructed in 2012).
Its sufficiency rating of 43.9 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 14 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 427 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A movable bridge — it may occasionally stop for boat traffic.
About 14 feet above ground — standard overpass height.
About 16,700 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 35 feet wide with 2-3 lanes — moderate width.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1850
176 years old (rebuilt 2012)
Structure Type
Steel Movable (Swing)
Total Length
427 ft
130.2 m
Deck Width
35 ft
10.6 m
Spans
2
sections between supports
Max Span
162 ft
longest unsupported section (49.4 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
14 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
16,700vehicles/day
42.83537°N, 70.90743°W
Steel Movable (Swing)
A movable bridge can change position to allow passage of boats or other traffic. Steel movable bridges include lift, bascule (drawbridge), and swing types.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.