Effective December 1, 2025, the City of Keene is implementing weight limits on two existing bridges: Spring Street over Beaver Brook and Beaver Street over Beaver Brook. This is due to recent structural assessments and updated load-rating analyses. Both bridges will be posted with a 10-ton maximum total weight limit. This weight limit restriction is based on the latest New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) bridge inspection results and an independent structural evaluation completed in 2025.
Why Weight Limits Are Required
Both structures were built in the 1920’s and have exceeded their intended service life. The most recent engineering inspection and associated assessment identified significant deterioration in key load-carrying components, including:
- Concrete loss and exposed reinforcing steel in multiple beams on the Spring Street bridge.
- Concrete spalling, exposed rebar, and deterioration of edge beams on the Beaver Street bridge.
- Substructure condition concerns including scour, cracked abutments, and a failed section of upstream retaining wall.
According to the standards for engineering analysis, both bridges no longer provide adequate capacity to support the current legal load limits or typical emergency-response vehicles.
What the New Restrictions Mean for the Public
Starting December 1, the following restrictions will apply:
- No vehicle over 10 tons in total weight (load and vehicle weight) may cross either the Spring Street or Beaver Street bridges.
- Signs will be installed at each bridge approach clearly specifying these weight limits.
- Larger commercial vehicles, including but not necessarily limited to delivery trucks, school buses, oil and propane delivery, logging trucks, and City emergency vehicles and heavy equipment will need to use alternative routes.
- City emergency services have been consulted and have already adjusted their response plans.
Passenger vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, light duty trucks, and SUVs remain within the allowable weight limit and may continue to use the bridges without concern.
Long-Term Plan for the Bridges
Because short-term repairs are not cost-effective, the City intends to pursue full replacement of both structures. This recommendation is supported by the engineering evaluation, which determined:
- The bridges were not designed or constructed for modern vehicle loads.
- The observed deterioration is expected to accelerate.
- Rehabilitation of the bridge would not be cost effective and would still require long-term weight posting.
The replacement work will be funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, potentially with a portion of the funding provided through the NHDOT’s “State Aid Bridge” program. Both bridges will continue to undergo annual inspections to monitor their conditions until the replacement of the bridges can be completed.
“This was not an easy decision,” said Public Works Director Don Lussier. “I know that this change will be a major inconvenience for this neighborhood. However, the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is our top priority. These weight restrictions are necessary given the condition of these century-old bridges and the findings of our structural engineering consultant.”
Questions may be directed to the City Engineer’s Office by calling (603) 352-6550.
