US Bridges

I-291 & King St. over Podunk River

Fair

Hartford County, Connecticut · 0.25 Miles West of U.S. 5 · Structure no. 05944

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
43,900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-291 & King St. over Podunk River is a steel culvert carrying I-291 & King St. over Podunk River in Hartford County, Connecticut. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2022, 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 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 43,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,231 by 2039. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesI-291 & King St.
CrossesPodunk River
Location0.25 Miles West of U.S. 5
RouteInterstate 291
CountyHartford County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.80658, -72.61952
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,900 (2019)
Projected traffic65,231 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-291 & King St. over Podunk River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is I-291 & King St. over Podunk 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-291 & King St. over Podunk River carry?

About 43,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is I-291 & King St. over Podunk River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns I-291 & King St. over Podunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.