US Bridges

Route 181 over Morgan Brook

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 0.3 Mile North of U.S. 44 · Structure no. 01495

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 181 over Morgan Brook is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Route 181 over Morgan Brook in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,823 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 181
CrossesMorgan Brook
Location0.3 Mile North of U.S. 44
RouteState Highway 181
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.90166, -72.98941
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating103.5 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2021)
Projected traffic2,823 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 181 over Morgan Brook built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 181 over Morgan 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Route 181 over Morgan Brook carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Route 181 over Morgan Brook?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Route 181 over Morgan Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.