US Bridges

Route 31 over Skungamaug River

Fair

Tolland County, Connecticut · 1 Mile South of Route 44 · Structure no. 00921

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 31 over Skungamaug River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 31 over Skungamaug River in Tolland County, Connecticut. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 102 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 8,700 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,927 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 31
CrossesSkungamaug River
Location1 Mile South of Route 44
RouteState Highway 31
CountyTolland County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.79218, -72.35514
Functional classRural Major 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 inspectionMarch 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,700 (2023)
Projected traffic12,927 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 Route 31 over Skungamaug River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Route 31 over Skungamaug 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Route 31 over Skungamaug River carry?

About 8,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Route 31 over Skungamaug River?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Route 31 over Skungamaug River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.