US Bridges

Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 0.3 Mi. West of Route 44 · Structure no. 05813

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,269 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 263
CrossesHighland Lake Outlet
Location0.3 Mi. West of Route 44
RouteState Highway 263
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.92554, -73.08032
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2021)
Projected traffic3,269 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Route 263 over Highland Lake Outlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.