US Bridges

Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · Route 8 Exit 15 · Structure no. 00573A

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
382 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
74,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 74 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 74,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 110,551 by 2041. The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long and 107 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 8
CrossesRoute 34 & RR Drive
LocationRoute 8 Exit 15
RouteState Highway 8
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.3197, -73.08424
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length382 ft (116.4 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width107 ft (32.6 m)
Roadway width98 ft (29.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic74,400 (2021)
Projected traffic110,551 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive carry?

About 74,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive?

The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 107 ft wide.

Who owns Route 8 over Route 34 & RR Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.