US Bridges

Route 97 over Cold Brook

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · 1.1 MI South of Route 207 · Structure no. 02589

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 97 over Cold Brook is a concrete frame carrying Route 97 over Cold Brook in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 years old, younger 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,309 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 97
CrossesCold Brook
Location1.1 MI South of Route 207
RouteState Highway 97
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.60745, -72.067
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating98.5 US tons
Inventory rating76.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2020)
Projected traffic4,309 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 97 over Cold Brook built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 97 over Cold 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Route 97 over Cold Brook carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 97 over Cold Brook?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Route 97 over Cold Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.