US Bridges

Route 72 over Pequabuck River

Fair

Hartford County, Connecticut · 0.1 Mile E of Expwy End · Structure no. 04312

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
247 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
28,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 72 over Pequabuck River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 72 over Pequabuck River in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 6 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 28,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,497 by 2042. The structure is 247 ft (75.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesRoute 72
CrossesPequabuck River
Location0.1 Mile E of Expwy End
RouteState Highway 72
Coordinates41.67411, -72.88276
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length247 ft (75.4 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,600 (2022)
Projected traffic42,497 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 72 over Pequabuck River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 72 over Pequabuck 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Route 72 over Pequabuck River carry?

About 28,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Route 72 over Pequabuck River?

The structure is 247 ft (75.4 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Route 72 over Pequabuck River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.