US Bridges

Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · .7 MI N of Naug./Wtby Tl · Structure no. 03178

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
695 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
25,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 59 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 25,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,336 by 2041. The structure is 695 ft (211.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 8 Southbound
CrossesMetro North Railroad
Location.7 MI N of Naug./Wtby Tl
RouteState Highway 8
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.52429, -73.04437
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length695 ft (211.8 m)
Longest span154 ft (46.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,800 (2021)
Projected traffic38,336 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.1 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Route 8 Southbound 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad carry?

About 25,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad?

The structure is 695 ft (211.8 m) long with a longest span of 154 ft (46.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Route 8 Southbound over Metro North Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.