US Bridges

Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · I-95 Exit No. 61 · Structure no. 00215

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
166 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95 in New Haven 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 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,060 by 2036. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 79
CrossesINTERSTATE-95
LocationI-95 Exit No. 61
RouteState Highway 79
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.28777, -72.60224
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2016)
Projected traffic20,060 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95 built?

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

What condition is Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95 carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Route 79 over INTERSTATE-95?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.