US Bridges

Orchard Road over Belcher Brook

Fair

Hartford County, Connecticut · 0.5 MI W of US Route 15 · Structure no. 04472

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Orchard Road over Belcher Brook is a steel culvert carrying Orchard Road over Belcher Brook in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,783 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOrchard Road
CrossesBelcher Brook
Location0.5 MI W of US Route 15
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHartford County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.59421, -72.76375
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionMay 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 rating81 US tons
Inventory rating62.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2020)
Projected traffic1,783 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Orchard Road over Belcher Brook built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Orchard Road over Belcher 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Orchard Road over Belcher Brook carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Orchard Road over Belcher Brook?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.2 m).

Who owns Orchard Road over Belcher Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.