US Bridges

Route 171 over Quinebaug River

Fair

Windham County, Connecticut · .3 MI W of US Route 44 · Structure no. 01424

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
117 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,700
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 171 over Quinebaug River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 171 over Quinebaug River in Windham County, Connecticut. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 73 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 9,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,413 by 2039. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 171
CrossesQuinebaug River
Location.3 MI W of US Route 44
RouteState Highway 171
CountyWindham County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.92284, -71.90731
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.
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107 US tons
Inventory rating64.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,700 (2019)
Projected traffic14,413 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Route 171 over Quinebaug River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Route 171 over Quinebaug 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Route 171 over Quinebaug River carry?

About 9,700 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route 171 over Quinebaug River?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Route 171 over Quinebaug River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.