US Bridges

Route 136 over Norwalk River

Fair

Fairfield County, Connecticut · I-95 Exit 16 to Rt 136 WB · Structure no. 02295

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
498 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,800
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 136 over Norwalk River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Route 136 over Norwalk River in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 53 years old, younger 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 14,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,991 by 2040. The structure is 498 ft (151.8 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 136
CrossesNorwalk River
LocationI-95 Exit 16 to Rt 136 WB
RouteState Highway 136
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.09893, -73.41459
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length498 ft (151.8 m)
Longest span134 ft (40.8 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,800 (2020)
Projected traffic21,991 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 136 over Norwalk River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Route 136 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Route 136 over Norwalk River carry?

About 14,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 136 over Norwalk River?

The structure is 498 ft (151.8 m) long with a longest span of 134 ft (40.8 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Route 136 over Norwalk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.