US Bridges

Plains Road over Shetucket River

Fair

Windham County, Connecticut · 0.6 Mile East of Route 32 · Structure no. 04811

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
206 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Plains Road over Shetucket River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Plains Road over Shetucket River in Windham 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 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,526 by 2042. The structure is 206 ft (62.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPlains Road
CrossesShetucket River
Location0.6 Mile East of Route 32
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWindham County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.70026, -72.18166
Functional classRural Minor 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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length206 ft (62.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2022)
Projected traffic2,526 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Plains Road over Shetucket River built?

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

What condition is Plains Road over Shetucket 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 2022.

How much traffic does Plains Road over Shetucket River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Plains Road over Shetucket River?

The structure is 206 ft (62.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Plains Road over Shetucket River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.