Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River
FairNew London County, Connecticut · 0.41 Miles from RTE 2 · Structure no. 03822
- Built
- 1974
- 51 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 200 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 13,100
- 2008 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 13,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,720 by 2028. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River built?
It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.
What condition is Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck 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 August 2024.
How much traffic does Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River carry?
About 13,100 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.
How long is Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River?
The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.
Who owns Ri 78 West By-Pass over Pawcatuck River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.