US Bridges

US Route 44 over Willimantic River

Fair

Tolland County, Connecticut · At Coventry Town Line · Structure no. 01178

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Route 44 over Willimantic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Route 44 over Willimantic River in Tolland County, Connecticut. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 95 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 7,700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,441 by 2043. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Route 44
CrossesWillimantic River
LocationAt Coventry Town Line
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyTolland County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.79928, -72.31266
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,700 (2023)
Projected traffic11,441 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Route 44 over Willimantic River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is US Route 44 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US Route 44 over Willimantic River carry?

About 7,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US Route 44 over Willimantic River?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 44 over Willimantic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.