Clinton Bridge Conditions Show Mix Of Strong Ratings And Isolated Structural Concerns

CLINTON, CT — Most bridges in Clinton are in good or satisfactory condition, though a small number show signs of more serious deterioration, according to the latest inspection data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The CTDOT bridge database lists more than 30 structures in town, with detailed condition ratings available for a subset of those spans. The data shows that the majority of inspected bridges — including those carrying Interstate 95, Route 1 and local roads — are rated “good” or “very good” for key structural components.

Several newer bridges stand out with the strongest ratings. The Carter Hill Road bridge over the Menunketesuck River, built in 2022, received “very good” ratings across deck, superstructure and substructure. A similar profile appears for the Kelseytown Road bridge, constructed in 2021, which also scored “very good” in all categories.

At the same time, the data highlights a handful of structures with lower ratings that may warrant attention.

The Waterside Lane bridge over the Hammock River, built in 1994, received a “poor” (4) rating for its substructure, indicating advanced deterioration in foundational elements.

Another notable case is the culvert carrying Country Village Lane over a brook, which received a “critical” (2) condition rating — among the lowest possible under federal inspection standards.

Several Interstate 95 culverts in town were rated “fair,” reflecting moderate wear but no immediate structural deficiency.

Older bridges, including a U.S. Route 1 crossing of the Indian River originally built in 1876 and reconstructed in 1956, remain in “satisfactory” condition, underscoring the longevity of some of Clinton’s infrastructure.

Bridge condition ratings are based on standardized inspection criteria used nationwide and are intended to guide maintenance and capital planning. A lower rating does not necessarily mean a bridge is unsafe, but it signals a need for monitoring, repair or eventual replacement.

Clinton Bridge-By-Bridge Snapshot

Carter Hill Road — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 04610)

Built: 2022
Deck: Very Good | Superstructure: Very Good | Substructure: Very Good

Kelseytown Road — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 04119)

Built: 2021
Deck: Very Good | Superstructure: Very Good | Substructure: Very Good

Pleasant Valley Road — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 04609)

Built: 2022
Deck: Very Good | Superstructure: Good | Substructure: Very Good

Beach Park Road — Hammock River (Bridge 04118)

Built: 1947
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Satisfactory

Waterside Lane — Hammock River (Bridge 06296)

Built: 1994
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Poor

Country Village Lane — Brook (Bridge 06956)

Culvert Condition: Critical (2)

Interstate 95 — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 00226)

Built: 1957 | Reconstructed: 1997
Deck: Satisfactory | Superstructure: Good | Substructure: Satisfactory

Interstate 95 — Cow Hill Road (Bridge 00221)

Built: 1957 | Reconstructed: 1989
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Good

Interstate 95 — Liberty Street (Bridge 00224)

Built: 1957 | Reconstructed: 1998
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Good | Substructure: Good

Nod Road — Interstate 95 (Bridge 00220)

Built: 1957 | Reconstructed: 1993
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Good

Route 81 — Interstate 95 (Bridge 00222)

Built: 1957 | Reconstructed: 1989
Deck: Satisfactory | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Good

Brickyard Road — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 05662)

Built: 1934 | Reconstructed: 1989
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Good | Substructure: Satisfactory

Liberty Street #1 — Amtrak Railroad (Bridge 06195)

Built: 1992
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Good

Route 145 — Amtrak Railroad (Bridge 03980)

Built: 1977
Deck: Good | Superstructure: Fair | Substructure: Good

Kelseytown Bridge Road — Menunketesuck River (Bridge 04612)

Built: 1938
Deck: Satisfactory | Superstructure: Satisfactory | Substructure: Satisfactory

Understanding Bridge Ratings

The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) system assigns condition ratings on a scale from 0 to 9:

• 8–9: Very good to excellent condition
• 7: Good condition
• 6: Satisfactory
• 5: Fair
• 4: Poor
• 3 or below: Serious to critical

A bridge is classified as being in “poor condition” if any key structural element — deck, superstructure or substructure — is rated 4 or below.

Culverts are rated separately using the same scale.

Importantly, a “poor” rating does not automatically mean a bridge is unsafe; it indicates deterioration that requires monitoring, repair or replacement planning.