Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
Fetching data from the National Bridge Inventory...
over WATER CHARLES RIVER
NEWTON-WELLESLEY TWN LINE
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 5 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 51,270 vehicles per day and is 126 years old (reconstructed in 1932).
Its sufficiency rating of 57.7 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 76 feet long — a quick crossing, under 5 seconds at highway speed.
An arch bridge design with some openness to the surroundings.
No height data available — likely a standard overpass height.
About 51,270 vehicles cross daily — heavy traffic, congestion likely during rush hours.
The deck is 161 feet wide with multiple lanes — easy to stay in a center lane.
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
1900
126 years old (rebuilt 1932)
Structure Type
Concrete Arch (Deck)
Total Length
76 ft
23.2 m
Deck Width
161 ft
49.1 m
Spans
2
sections between supports
Max Span
50 ft
longest unsupported section (15.2 m)
Traffic Lanes
6 lanes
Two-way traffic
Daily Traffic
51,270vehicles/day
42.31691°N, 71.22805°W
Concrete Arch (Deck)
A concrete arch bridge uses a curved concrete structure to transfer loads through compression. Concrete arches are durable and can be very aesthetically pleasing.
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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.