The average US bridge is 48 years old. That's a lot of birthday candles.
The average US bridge is 48 years old. That's a lot of birthday candles.
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
over WATER CHARLES RIVER
AT CHARLES RIVER
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This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 3 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 21,600 vehicles per day and is 176 years old (reconstructed in 1933).
Its sufficiency rating of 45.5 places it below the national average of 63.6.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 110 feet long — a quick crossing, under 5 seconds at highway speed.
A truss bridge — the steel framework can provide a sense of enclosure.
No height data available — likely a standard overpass height.
About 21,600 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 54 feet wide with 3-4 lanes — standard 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 1933)
Structure Type
Steel Truss (Deck)
Total Length
110 ft
33.4 m
Deck Width
54 ft
16.4 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
105 ft
longest unsupported section (32.0 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Daily Traffic
21,600vehicles/day
42.36708°N, 71.21813°W
Steel Truss (Deck)
A steel truss bridge uses a framework of interconnected triangular elements. The geometric rigidity of triangles makes this design extremely efficient at distributing loads.
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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.