Scour Critical Bridges in Massachusetts

166 bridges in Massachusetts at risk from water erosion around foundations.

Scour Critical Bridges

Scour is the erosion of soil and rock around a bridge's foundation caused by moving water. When foundations are exposed or undermined, a bridge can collapse even if its deck and superstructure are in good condition. Scour is the leading cause of bridge failures in the US. These 166 bridges in Massachusetts have been identified as vulnerable to scour damage.

Clear
Bridge State Scour Status Condition Year Built ADT
WATER MCKINSTRY BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1940 517
WATER BAKER BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1938 500
QUINEBAUG RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1960 300
TULLY RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1944 200
WATER MILLERS RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1889 140
WATER PELHAM BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1985 129
WATER WINDSOR JAMBS BRK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1940 129
WATER BLACKSTONE RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1955 100
WATER SEVEN MILE RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1950 75
MILLER RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1900 50
PRIEST BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1937 50
FARMINGTON RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1927 40
MUDDY POND BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1938 20
PRIEST BROOK Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1925 20
QUINEBAUG RIVER Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1956 5
WATER QUABOAG STREAM Massachusetts Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1940

Scour Critical Rating Codes

Code 2 — UnaddressedBridge is scour critical with no countermeasures installed. The foundation is vulnerable and no protective action has been taken.
Code 3 — Countermeasures InstalledProtective measures (riprap, sheet piling, etc.) have been installed to reduce scour risk, but the bridge remains classified as scour critical.
Code 6 — Countermeasures IneffectiveProtective measures were installed but have been assessed as ineffective. The bridge requires re-evaluation and additional action.

About Scour Critical Bridges

Scour critical bridges have been identified through underwater inspection or analysis as having foundations that are unstable or could become unstable during flood conditions. FHWA requires action plans for all scour critical bridges. Famous scour failures include the 1987 Schoharie Creek Bridge collapse in New York.