US Bridges

US Route 7 over Norwalk River

Fair

Fairfield County, Connecticut · 200 North Topstone Road · Structure no. 00537

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Route 7 over Norwalk River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US Route 7 over Norwalk River in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Connecticut average of 56.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 14,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,694 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Route 7
CrossesNorwalk River
Location200 North Topstone Road
RouteU.S. Route 7
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.30063, -73.45911
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,600 (2022)
Projected traffic21,694 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Route 7 over Norwalk River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Route 7 over Norwalk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US Route 7 over Norwalk River carry?

About 14,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US Route 7 over Norwalk River?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 7 over Norwalk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.