US Bridges

US Route 44 over Spruce Brook

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 50 East of Route 219 · Structure no. 00973

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Route 44 over Spruce Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying US Route 44 over Spruce Brook in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 10,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,899 by 2041. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Route 44
CrossesSpruce Brook
Location50 East of Route 219
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.87751, -72.97757
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,700 (2021)
Projected traffic15,899 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 US Route 44 over Spruce Brook built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Route 44 over Spruce 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US Route 44 over Spruce Brook carry?

About 10,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US Route 44 over Spruce Brook?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 44 over Spruce Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.