US Bridges

Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 0.3 Mile South of Exit 38 · Structure no. 01728

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
272 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 61 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 16,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,072 by 2041. The structure is 272 ft (82.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 8 Southbound
CrossesBranch Brook
Location0.3 Mile South of Exit 38
RouteState Highway 8
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.64778, -73.08192
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.3 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length272 ft (82.8 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,200 (2021)
Projected traffic24,072 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Route 8 Southbound over Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook carry?

About 16,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook?

The structure is 272 ft (82.8 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Route 8 Southbound over Branch Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.