US Bridges

Route 138 over Pachaug River

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · .1 MI East of Route 12 · Structure no. 01353

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 138 over Pachaug River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Route 138 over Pachaug River in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,795 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 138
CrossesPachaug River
Location.1 MI East of Route 12
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.60353, -71.98293
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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2020)
Projected traffic5,795 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 138 over Pachaug River built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 138 over Pachaug 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Route 138 over Pachaug River carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 138 over Pachaug River?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Route 138 over Pachaug River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.