US Bridges

Route 71 over Bass Brook

Fair

Hartford County, Connecticut · 1 MI So. of Farmington Tl · Structure no. 01085

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 71 over Bass Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 71 over Bass Brook in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 9,300 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,819 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 71
CrossesBass Brook
Location1 MI So. of Farmington Tl
RouteState Highway 71
CountyHartford County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.70354, -72.77291
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,300 (2021)
Projected traffic13,819 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 71 over Bass Brook built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 71 over Bass Brook 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Route 71 over Bass Brook carry?

About 9,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route 71 over Bass Brook?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Route 71 over Bass Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.