US Bridges

Route 178 over Wash Brook

FairPosted for load

Hartford County, Connecticut · 0.1 Miles West of RTE 189 · Structure no. 01488

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,400
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 178 over Wash Brook is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Route 178 over Wash Brook in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,400 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,482 by 2039. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 178
CrossesWash Brook
Location0.1 Miles West of RTE 189
RouteState Highway 178
CountyHartford County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.83098, -72.73862
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,400 (2019)
Projected traffic12,482 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 178 over Wash Brook built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 178 over Wash 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Route 178 over Wash Brook carry?

About 8,400 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route 178 over Wash Brook?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Route 178 over Wash Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.