US Bridges

Route 15 over Saugatuck River

FairPosted for load

Fairfield County, Connecticut · Between Exit 41 & Exit 42 · Structure no. 00728

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
253 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
66,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 15 over Saugatuck River is a steel arch - deck carrying Route 15 over Saugatuck River in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 66,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 98,515 by 2040. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 15
CrossesSaugatuck River
LocationBetween Exit 41 & Exit 42
RouteState Highway 15
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.16354, -73.36722
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.8 US tons
Inventory rating14.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66,300 (2020)
Projected traffic98,515 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$9.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 15 over Saugatuck River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Route 15 over Saugatuck 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Route 15 over Saugatuck River carry?

About 66,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 15 over Saugatuck River?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Route 15 over Saugatuck River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.