300+ Structurally Deficient Bridges In CT: Here’s Where They Are

A recent report by a national transportation research group found that 62 percent of Connecticut’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and eight percent of its bridges are structurally deficient.

Connecticut has 308 bridges that carry 4.3 million vehicles daily that are structurally deficient, according to TRIP. Structurally deficient bridges had significant deterioration to the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Sometimes the bridges need lower weight restrictions or closed if repair needs become dire.

The report also found 61% of the state’s urban interstates experience congestion during peak hours.

The Nutmeg State also has the 4th highest share of bridges that are 50-years-old or older at 59%. The average age of all bridges in the state is 53-years-old and the average age of structurally deficient bridges is 69 years. The cost of maintaining and repairing bridges increases as they age, TRIP notes.

A survey by the U.S. General Accountability office found that 14 out of 24 states reported inadequate funding as challenge to keep bridges in good condition.

Keeping bridges and roads in good condition is a key factor in drawing large corporations to the area. A survey of corporate executives by Area Development Magazine last year found that highway accessibility was the number one site selection factor.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has pitched electronic tolling as a means of increasing funding for transportation projects. Republican governor candidate Bob Stefanowski said he is against the idea and Democratic candidate Ned Lamont said he would be in favor of tolling on trucks, similar to Rhode Island’s recent move.

Below are the five most heavily traveled bridges in each county that are structurally deficient, according to TRIP. (To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here.)

Fairfield County

1. I-95 in Norwalk between exits 15 and 16.
2. I-95 in Greenwich at the New York State line.
3. I-95 in Westport near exit 17
4. I-95 in Stamford near exit 8.
5. Route 15 in Westport between exits 41 and 42.

Hartford County

1. I-84 near the intersection with I-91
2. I-84 westbound in Hartford near Myrtle Street
3. I-84 eastbound in Hartford near the exit to I-91 southbound
4. I-84 eastbound in Hartford south of the junction with U.S. 44 westbound
5. I-84 eastbound in Hartford near New Park Avenue.

Litchfield County

1. Rt. 202 and Rt. 67 in New Milford
2. Rt. 8 southbound in Thomaston near North Watertown Trail.
3. Rt. 8 southbound in Thomaston north of exit 38
4. Route 8 northbound in Thomaston near Rt. 109
5. Rt. 202 in Litchfield near Rt. 63

Middlesex County

1. Rt. 9 in Middletown near Rt. 17
2. Rt. 66 in Middletown near Rt. 9
3. Rt. 17 in Durham near Rt. 79
4. Rt. 9 northbound in Essex near Rt. 80
5. Main Street extension in Middletown near Rt. 17

New Haven County

1. I-95 in West Haven near First Avenue.
2. I-91 in New Haven 2.3 miles from I-95.
3. I-91 in New Haven near Rt. 17.
4. I-94 in Waterbury near exit 23.
5. I-95 in Branford near exit 55.

New London County

1. I-95 in East Lyme near Rt. 1.
2. I-95 north in New London near Rt. 1.
3. I-395 in Norwich near Rt. 97.
4. Rt. 1 in Stonington near the Rhode Island border.
5. I-395 in Waterford near exit 77.

Tolland County

1. Rt. 32 in Willington near I-84
2. Leonard Road in Stafford near Rt. 19
3. Rt. 171 in Union near the Massachusetts state line.
4. Potter School Road in Willington near Ashford Trail.
5. Pleasantview Drive in Vernon near Rt. 83.

Windham County

1. I-395 in Plainfield near Route 14A
2. Rt. 66 in Windham 66 miles west of Rt. 32
3. Rt. 66 in Windham near Rt. 32
4. Rt. 55 in Windham near Rt. 195 and Rt. 14.
5. Plains Road in Windham near Rt. 32.

Check out the full list of structurally deficient bridges here.

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