US Bridges

Route 173 over Piper Brook

Fair

Hartford County, Connecticut · 1.3 MI North of Route 175 · Structure no. 01476

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,100
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 173 over Piper Brook is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Route 173 over Piper Brook in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 14,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,951 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 173
CrossesPiper Brook
Location1.3 MI North of Route 175
RouteState Highway 173
CountyHartford County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.71295, -72.73685
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,100 (2021)
Projected traffic20,951 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 173 over Piper Brook built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 173 over Piper 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Route 173 over Piper Brook carry?

About 14,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route 173 over Piper Brook?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns Route 173 over Piper Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.