US Bridges

SR 642 over Yantic River

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · 1.7 MI West of Route 32 · Structure no. 03799

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 642 over Yantic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 642 over Yantic River in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 87 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 8,400 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,482 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 642
CrossesYantic River
Location1.7 MI West of Route 32
RouteState Highway 642
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.55743, -72.11265
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,400 (2023)
Projected traffic12,482 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 SR 642 over Yantic River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is SR 642 over Yantic 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR 642 over Yantic River carry?

About 8,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 642 over Yantic River?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SR 642 over Yantic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.