US Bridges

Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · 1.3 Mile North of Exit 29 · Structure no. 03181

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
191 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,350
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 60 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 26,350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,153 by 2041. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 8 Northbound
CrossesNichols Drive
Location1.3 Mile North of Exit 29
RouteState Highway 8
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.53061, -73.04427
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,350 (2021)
Projected traffic39,153 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Northbound over Nichols Drive built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Route 8 Northbound over Nichols 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive carry?

About 26,350 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Route 8 Northbound over Nichols Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.