US Bridges

Route 32 over Willimantic River

Fair

Tolland County, Connecticut · On Willington Town Line · Structure no. 00938

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
178 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 32 over Willimantic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 32 over Willimantic River in Tolland County, Connecticut. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 71 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 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 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,036 by 2038. The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 32
CrossesWillimantic River
LocationOn Willington Town Line
RouteState Highway 32
CountyTolland County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.92837, -72.30665
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length178 ft (54.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2018)
Projected traffic12,036 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 32 over Willimantic River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Route 32 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Route 32 over Willimantic River carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 32 over Willimantic River?

The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Route 32 over Willimantic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.