US Bridges

Nichols Road over Mad River

Fair

New Haven County, Connecticut · 0.6 MI E of Route 69 · Structure no. 05481

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,340
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nichols Road over Mad River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nichols Road over Mad River in New Haven County, Connecticut. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 90 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 3,340 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,963 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesNichols Road
CrossesMad River
Location0.6 MI E of Route 69
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNew Haven County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.57886, -72.98451
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,340 (2023)
Projected traffic4,963 by 2043
Trucks5%
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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nichols Road over Mad River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Nichols Road over Mad 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Nichols Road over Mad River carry?

About 3,340 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nichols Road over Mad River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Nichols Road over Mad River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.