US Bridges

Route 31 over Willimantic River

Fair

Tolland County, Connecticut · At the Coventry Town Line · Structure no. 00922

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,600
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 31 over Willimantic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 31 over Willimantic River in Tolland County, Connecticut. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,835 by 2037. The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 31
CrossesWillimantic River
LocationAt the Coventry Town Line
RouteState Highway 31
CountyTolland County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.74911, -72.2665
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length131 ft (39.8 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2017)
Projected traffic6,835 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 Willimantic River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 31 over Willimantic 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Route 31 over Willimantic River carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Route 31 over Willimantic River?

The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Route 31 over Willimantic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.