US Bridges

Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · 100 E of Front Street · Structure no. 03810

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
428 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River is a steel movable - swing carrying Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 125 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,566 by 2041. The structure is 428 ft (130.6 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGrand Avenue
CrossesQuinnipiac River
Location100 E of Front Street
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.30891, -72.88783
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length428 ft (130.6 m)
Longest span108 ft (32.9 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2021)
Projected traffic3,566 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$25 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River?

The structure is 428 ft (130.6 m) long with a longest span of 108 ft (32.9 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Grand Avenue over Quinnipiac River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.