US Bridges

Route 128 over Housatonic River

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · .05MI E of US Route 7 JCT · Structure no. 01338

Built
1841
184 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Orthotropic
Steel Continuous
Length
173 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 128 over Housatonic River is a steel continuous orthotropic carrying Route 128 over Housatonic River in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1841 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 184 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 1,100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,634 by 2041. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 128
CrossesHousatonic River
Location.05MI E of US Route 7 JCT
RouteState Highway 128
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.87156, -73.36377
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOrthotropic
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckSteel plate
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2021)
Projected traffic1,634 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 128 over Housatonic River built?

It was built in 1841, making it 184 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is Route 128 over Housatonic 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Route 128 over Housatonic River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Route 128 over Housatonic River?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Route 128 over Housatonic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.