US Bridges

Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD

Fair

New London County, Connecticut · .80 MI E of JCT Route 161 · Structure no. 06026

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
1,827 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD is a steel movable - bascule carrying Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD in New London County, Connecticut. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 6,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,956 by 2041. The structure is 1,827 ft (556.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 156
CrossesNiantic River & Local RD
Location.80 MI E of JCT Route 161
RouteState Highway 156
CountyNew London County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.324, -72.17653
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
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+11 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,827 ft (556.9 m)
Longest span144 ft (43.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,700 (2021)
Projected traffic9,956 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$11.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD 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 2024.

How much traffic does Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD carry?

About 6,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD?

The structure is 1,827 ft (556.9 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (43.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Route 156 over Niantic River & Local RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.