Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir
PoorFairfield County, Connecticut · JCT RTE 53 & Newtown Tpk · Structure no. 01015
- Built
- 1939
- 86 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 44 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 2,600
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Connecticut average of 56.7 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,863 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir built?
It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.
What condition is Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.
How much traffic does Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir carry?
About 2,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.
How long is Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir?
The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.
Who owns Route 53 over Saugatuck Reservoir?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.