US Bridges

Topstone Road over Norwalk River

Fair

Fairfield County, Connecticut · Approx 200 E of Route 7 · Structure no. 05888

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,010
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Topstone Road over Norwalk River is a concrete tee beam carrying Topstone Road over Norwalk River in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 2,010 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,987 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTopstone Road
CrossesNorwalk River
LocationApprox 200 E of Route 7
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFairfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.29879, -73.45586
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,010 (2023)
Projected traffic2,987 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Topstone Road over Norwalk River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Topstone Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does Topstone Road over Norwalk River carry?

About 2,010 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Topstone Road over Norwalk River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Topstone Road over Norwalk River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.