US Bridges

Route 138 over Denison Brook

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · .2 MI West of Route 49 · Structure no. 01357

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 138 over Denison Brook is a concrete slab carrying Route 138 over Denison Brook in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,213 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 138
CrossesDenison Brook
Location.2 MI West of Route 49
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.57577, -71.85797
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2020)
Projected traffic9,213 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 Denison Brook built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 138 over Denison Brook 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Route 138 over Denison Brook carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Route 138 over Denison Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Route 138 over Denison Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.