US Bridges

US Route 5 over Harbor Brook

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · 0.3 MI N of I-691 · Structure no. 00436

Built
1892
133 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,744
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Route 5 over Harbor Brook is a masonry arch - deck carrying US Route 5 over Harbor Brook in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1892, so it is 133 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 16,744 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,880 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Route 5
CrossesHarbor Brook
Location0.3 MI N of I-691
RouteU.S. Route 5
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.54617, -72.78356
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,744 (2023)
Projected traffic24,880 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Route 5 over Harbor Brook built?

It was built in 1892, making it 133 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Route 5 over Harbor 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US Route 5 over Harbor Brook carry?

About 16,744 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US Route 5 over Harbor Brook?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 5 over Harbor Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.