US Bridges

Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook

Fair

Litchfield County, Connecticut · 4.8 KM SW of Thomaston · Structure no. CEPNEDCT0910005

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook is a concrete tee beam carrying Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 89 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2040. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld RTE 254-LOWER
CrossesNorthfield Brook
Location4.8 KM SW of Thomaston
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyLitchfield County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.68596, -73.09122
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating42.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (13.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2023)
Projected traffic75 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$9,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (13.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Old RTE 254-LOWER over Northfield Brook?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).