DERBY – State transportation officials announced Friday (May 30) that emergency repairs are needed on the Commodore Hull Bridge, the structure that carries traffic on Route 8 between Derby and Shelton.
A recent “special inspection” of the bridge found the bridge gusset plates had deteriorated and were in need of repair.
“These plates connect the truss members together to support the weight of the overall bridge structure and traffic load on the bridge,” according to a statement emailed to The Valley Indy by a state Department of Transportation spokesperson.
To alleviate weight concerns on the bridge, DOT crews were scheduled to mill the highway over the bridge and to prohibit any vehicles over 32 tons.
The weight limit is expected to cause increased tractor-trailer traffic on the surface streets in Derby and Shelton.
Lane shifts were also scheduled to be used, starting Monday, June 2.
“The bridge remains safe for the traveling public. We urge motorists to slow down, move over, and use caution when traveling through this area to keep themselves and workers safe,” according to the DOT.
Crews will repair the gusset plates throughout the month of June.
From a CT DOT website:
“The following restrictions will be implemented to facilitate construction operations beginning on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Route 8 Northbound: Both on-ramps from Howe Avenue and Kneen Street may be closed to traffic and mainline traffic will be maintained for two lanes across the bridge in a lane shift configuration.
Route 8 Southbound: Traffic will be maintained in two lanes across the bridge in a lane shift configuration. The off-ramp to Wharf Street will remain open for the present.
Work on Route 8 will be performed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. with one lane of traffic maintained.
Future detours and changes to the hours of work will be posted in future announcements.”
