US Bridges

Route 15 over Unity Road

FairPosted for load

Fairfield County, Connecticut · 1.1 Miles South of RTE 8 · Structure no. 00754

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Frame
Steel
Length
74 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
86,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 15 over Unity Road is a steel frame carrying Route 15 over Unity Road in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 85 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 86,100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 127,936 by 2042. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 15
CrossesUnity Road
Location1.1 Miles South of RTE 8
RouteState Highway 15
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.23703, -73.17433
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.6 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic86,100 (2022)
Projected traffic127,936 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 15 over Unity Road built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Route 15 over Unity Road 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Route 15 over Unity Road carry?

About 86,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Route 15 over Unity Road?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns Route 15 over Unity Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.