US Bridges

Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · 0.3 MI East of Route 164 · Structure no. 00288

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
199 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,200
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395 in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 7,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,698 by 2037. The structure is 199 ft (60.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 138
CrossesINTERSTATE-395
Location0.3 MI East of Route 164
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.59319, -71.97071
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length199 ft (60.6 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,200 (2017)
Projected traffic10,698 by 2037
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 138 over INTERSTATE-395 built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395 carry?

About 7,200 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395?

The structure is 199 ft (60.6 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Route 138 over INTERSTATE-395?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.