US Bridges

Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · At Exit 45 · Structure no. 03602

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 7,300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,847 by 2041. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 8 Southbound
CrossesKennedy Drive
LocationAt Exit 45
RouteState Highway 8
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.83121, -73.10514
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,300 (2021)
Projected traffic10,847 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive carry?

About 7,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Route 8 Southbound over Kennedy Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.