US Bridges

Route 47 over Shepaug River

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 0.1 MI South of Route 109 · Structure no. 01005

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 47 over Shepaug River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 47 over Shepaug River in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,241 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 47
CrossesShepaug River
Location0.1 MI South of Route 109
RouteState Highway 47
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.63981, -73.31818
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2023)
Projected traffic6,241 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 47 over Shepaug River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 47 over Shepaug 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Route 47 over Shepaug River carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Route 47 over Shepaug River?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Route 47 over Shepaug River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.