Brookfield’s Bridges Show Range Of Fair To Good Ratings, CTDOT Data Reveals

BROOKFIELD, CT. — Brookfield’s bridge network spans everything from 1970s-era Route 7 structures to newer wildlife crossings — and while most remain in good condition, several town bridges have begun to show signs of age, according to newly published CTDOT inspection data.

A review of the 22 bridges in Brookfield listed in the National Bridge Inventory shows that while many crossings rate “good” on federal condition scales, a handful received “satisfactory” or even “fair” ratings, particularly on heavily traveled or older spans.

Two of Brookfield’s busiest connectors — U.S. Route 7 Southbound over Still River (Bridge 3924) and U.S. Route 7 Southbound over U.S. Route 202 (Bridge 3919) — received “6 – Satisfactory” ratings in their superstructure and substructure, reflecting the natural deterioration expected of 1970s-built highway bridges that have long carried high traffic loads.

Another notable structure, U.S. Route 7 at N. Mountain Road & Limekiln Road (Bridge 6565), earned a “5 – Fair” rating for its substructure, one of the lowest scores in town. While still safe for public use, the designation indicates meaningful deterioration that warrants closer monitoring in future inspection cycles.

Brookfield also maintains a number of strong performers, including several bridges built or reconstructed in the 2000s — such as the Reptile Crossing wildlife underpass (Bridge 6761) — which earned good marks across key categories.

The mix of scores aligns with statewide trends. Connecticut’s average bridge age now exceeds 50 years, and many towns — including Brookfield — are managing structures built long before today’s traffic volumes, weather patterns and design standards.

What the National Bridge Inventory Is and How It Classifies Bridges

The National Bridge Inventory is a nationwide database maintained by the Federal Highway Administration that contains detailed structural and condition information on the country’s publicly owned bridges. Every state transportation agency, including the Connecticut Department of Transportation, is required to inspect and report condition ratings for bridges that meet federal criteria.

Which Bridges Are Included in the NBI

A bridge must be included in the NBI if it meets all of the following conditions:

• Has a span of at least 20 feet
• Is publicly owned or located on a public road
• Is inspected at least every 24 months (some more frequently depending on condition)

This includes bridges on interstates, state highways, local roads, and municipal structures.
How the NBI Classifies and Rates Bridges
NBI inspections evaluate several major components of a bridge’s structure. Key elements are assigned numerical condition ratings on a 0–9 scale, where:

• 9 — Excellent
• 8 — Very good
• 7 — Good
• 6 — Fair
• 5 — Poor
• 4 — Serious
• 3 — Critical
• 2 — Imminent failure
• 1 — Failed
• 0 — Gone (no structure remains)

The most important individual ratings are:

• Deck Condition: The physical surface of the bridge that carries traffic — pavement, deck slab, and protective systems.
• Superstructure Condition: The main load-carrying components above the deck, including girders, beams, trusses, and arches.
• Substructure Condition: The supports below the superstructure — abutments, piers, footings, and foundations.
• Culvert Condition: Used for structures that function as culverts rather than traditional bridges.

FHWA uses these component ratings to classify each bridge:

Good: All major components rated 7 or higher
Fair: One or more components rated 6
Poor: One or more components rated 5 or lower

A bridge classified as “poor” is commonly referred to as structurally deficient, meaning it requires repair or rehabilitation but is not necessarily unsafe.

NBI Ratings are important as they help determine repair priorities for state and federal funding, influence traffic restrictions (e.g., weight limits), and help towns and states assess long-term capital needs.

Bridge 2036 — SR 805 over West Brook

• Year Built: 1997
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: N/A
• Substructure: N/A

Bridge 3924 — US Route 7 Southbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1976
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 3919 — US Route 7 Southbound over US Route 202

• Year Built: 1975
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 6761 — US Route 7 over “Reptile Crossing” Underpass

• Year Built: 2009
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: 7 – Good
• Substructure: N/A

Bridge 6565 — U.S. Route 7 at N. Mountain Rd & Limekiln

• Year Built: 2009
• Deck: 7 – Good
• Superstructure: 8 – Very Good
• Substructure: 5 – Fair

Bridge 6564 — U.S. Route 7 over Tributary Brook/Wetland

• Year Built: 2009
• Deck: 8 – Very Good
• Superstructure: 8 – Very Good
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 5508 — Route 133 over Merwin Brook

• Year Built: 1987
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: N/A
• Substructure: N/A

Bridge 3928 — US Route 7 Northbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1975
• Deck: 7 - Good
• Superstructure: 7 - Good
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 4057 — Stony Hill Road over Housatonic Railroad

• Year Built: 1936; reconstructed 1992
• Deck: 5 – Fair
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 5 – Fair

Bridge 5776 — Route 25 over Housatonic Railroad

• Year Built: 1989
• Deck: 7 – Good
• Superstructure: 7 – Good
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 3918 — US Route 202 over Still River

• Year Built: 1976
• Deck: 7 – Good
• Superstructure: 7 – Good
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 2039 — US Route 202 over Lime Kiln Brook

• Year Built: 1928; reconstructed 1950
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: 5 – Fair
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 3921 — US Route 7 Southbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1976
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 7 – Good

Bridge 900 — Route 25 over Still River

• Year Built: 1920; reconstructed 1975
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 1342 — Housatonic Railroad over Route 133

• Year Built: 1933
• Deck: N/A
• Superstructure: 4 – Poor
• Substructure: 5 – Fair

Bridge 3927 — US Route 7 Southbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1975
• Deck: 7 – Good
• Superstructure: 7 – Good
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 3926 — US Route 133 over Still River & Route 7

• Year Built: 1975
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 7 – Good

Bridge 3925 — US Route 7 Northbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1976
• Deck: 7 – Good
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 7 – Good

Bridge 3922 — US Route 7 Northbound over Still River

• Year Built: 1976
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 7 – Good

Bridge 6563 — US Route 7 Bypass over Wetland

• Year Built: 2009
• Deck: 8 - Very Good
• Superstructure: 8 - Very Good
• Substructure: 7 – Good

Bridge 3920 — US Route 7 Northbound over Route 22

• Year Built: 1975
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 6 – Satisfactory

Bridge 2037 — US Route 22 over East Brook

• Year Built: 1928; reconstructed 1986
• Deck: 6 – Satisfactory
• Superstructure: 6 – Satisfactory
• Substructure: 7 – Good