US Bridges

Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95

Poor

Middlesex County, Connecticut · I-95 Exit No. 65 · Structure no. 00232

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
179 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95 in Middlesex 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,739 by 2040. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 153 (essex R
CrossesINTERSTATE-95
LocationI-95 Exit No. 65
RouteState Highway 153
CountyMiddlesex County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.29173, -72.44381
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2020)
Projected traffic11,739 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95 built?

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

What condition is Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95 carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Route 153 (essex R over INTERSTATE-95?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.