How Newtown's Bridges Are Holding Up: State Inspection Data

NEWTOWN, CT — Most of Newtown’s bridges remain in good structural condition, but a subset of aging spans shows measurable wear that may require closer monitoring in coming years, according to the latest inspection data released by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

CTDOT’s National Bridge Inventory lists 88 bridges in Newtown, spanning local roads, state routes and historic crossings over brooks, ponds and rivers throughout town. The majority of those structures received “good” or “satisfactory” ratings in their most recent inspections, though several bridges recorded “fair” or “poor” scores on at least one major structural component.

A review of the data shows that many of Newtown’s older bridges — particularly those built between the 1950s and 1970s — are now entering a stage where deck surfaces, superstructures or substructures show signs of deterioration consistent with age and long-term exposure to traffic and weather.

Bridges carrying local roads such as Commerce Road, Saw Mill Road, Cold Spring Road and Route 302 generally performed well, while some lesser-traveled crossings and older spans recorded lower ratings that place them on CTDOT’s long-term maintenance radar.

A fair or poor rating does not mean a bridge is unsafe, according to the CTDOT. It means components are aging and need to be watched so repairs can be made before conditions worsen.

Statewide, Connecticut’s average bridge age now exceeds 50 years, and Newtown’s inventory reflects that trend. Many of the town’s bridges were constructed decades before modern traffic volumes and design standards, increasing the importance of routine inspections and preventive maintenance.

Town officials are expected to use the inspection results as part of future capital planning, particularly as federal infrastructure funding becomes available for bridge rehabilitation and replacement.

The CTDOT has included ratings for 68 bridges in Newtown in its most recent dataset.

How The National Bridge Inventory Rates Bridges

The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) is a federal database maintained by the Federal Highway Administration. It requires states to inspect all publicly owned bridges with spans of 20 feet or more at least once every two years.

What Is Rated

• Deck — the driving surface
• Superstructure — beams, girders or trusses
• Substructure — piers, abutments and foundations

The 0–9 Rating Scale

• 9–7: Good to excellent condition
• 6: Satisfactory; moderate aging
• 5: Fair; noticeable deterioration
• 4 or below: Poor to critical condition

A bridge is classified as “fair” or “poor” if any major component falls into those categories — even if the rest of the structure remains sound.