US Bridges

Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River

Fair

Fairfield County, Connecticut · JCT Valley Road · Structure no. 03958

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,580
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River is a masonry arch - deck carrying Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1907, so it is 118 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 5 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 6,580 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,777 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPalmer Hill Road
CrossesMianus River
LocationJCT Valley Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.05759, -73.58228
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,580 (2023)
Projected traffic9,777 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025.

What condition is Palmer Hill Road over Mianus 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River carry?

About 6,580 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Palmer Hill Road over Mianus River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.