US Bridges

Route 197 over Quinebaug River

Fair

Windham County, Connecticut · .2 MI West of Route 131 · Structure no. 01536

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 197 over Quinebaug River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Route 197 over Quinebaug River in Windham County, Connecticut. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 94 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,863 by 2042. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 197
CrossesQuinebaug River
Location.2 MI West of Route 131
RouteState Highway 197
CountyWindham County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates42.02193, -71.95405
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2022)
Projected traffic3,863 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 197 over Quinebaug River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Route 197 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Route 197 over Quinebaug River carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Route 197 over Quinebaug River?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Route 197 over Quinebaug River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.