US Bridges

Route 34 over Metro North Railroad

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · 0.1 MI E of Route 8 · Structure no. 00946

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
33,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 34 over Metro North Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 34 over Metro North Railroad in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 33,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,223 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 34
CrossesMetro North Railroad
Location0.1 MI E of Route 8
RouteState Highway 34
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.31924, -73.08342
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,800 (2021)
Projected traffic50,223 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 34 over Metro North Railroad built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Route 34 over Metro North Railroad 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Route 34 over Metro North Railroad carry?

About 33,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 34 over Metro North Railroad?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns Route 34 over Metro North Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.