• 9% of Connecticut’s bridges were structurally deficient in 2007. A bridge is structurally deficient if there is significant deterioration of the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Structurally deficient bridges are often posted for lower weight or closed to traffic, restricting or redirecting large vehicles, including commercial trucks and emergency services vehicles.
• 25% of Connecticut’s bridges were functionally obsolete in 2006. Bridges that are functionally obsolete no longer meet current highway design standards, often because of narrow lanes, inadequate clearances or poor alignment.
• The number of state-maintained bridges that are deficient is increasing, rising from 148 bridges rated deficient in 1998 to 240 bridges rated deficient by CDOT in 2006.
• The average age of bridges in Connecticut is 40 years. Forty-six percent of the state’s bridges were built prior to 1960.
• Bridges on average require significant repairs or rehabilitation when they reach 50 years in service.
The efficiency of Connecticut’s transportation system, particularly its highways, is critical to the health of the state’s economy. Please call your state representatives at the Capitol and urge them to take measures to save and rebuild our bridges. It’s up to all of us to keep Connecticut moving!
