Sharing update from Valley Independent Sentinel on Commodore Hull Bridge repairs

 

Here is a link to the story from the Valley Independent Sentinel:

https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/2025/09/30/update-on-the-route-8-hull-bridge-repairs/

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Commodore Isaac Hull's house

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo features Commodore Isaac Hull's house.

Hull was a Commodore in the United States Navy, and commanded several famous U.S. naval ships, including the USS Constitution. His uncle, William Hull, was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War and adopted Isaac when he was a young boy after his father had died.

The U.S. Navy has named five ships in honor of Isaac Hull, including the USS Commodore Hull, the USS Hull (DD-7), the USS Hull (DD-330), the USS Hull (DD-350) and the USS Hull (DD-945).

In addition, the portion of Route 8 that spans the Housatonic River between Derby and Shelton is named the Commodore Isaac Hull Memorial Bridge in his honor.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Klarides-Ditria: DOT to start immediate repairs on Commodore Hull Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced immediate repairs on the Commodore Hull Bridge - which carries Route 8 over the Housatonic River between Shelton and Derby. According to the DOT, “during a special inspection of the bridge in preparation for a future project, advanced deterioration on the gusset plates was noticed. These plates connect the truss members together to support the weight of the overall bridge structure and traffic load on the bridge.  Due to the additional deterioration found, starting this week CTDOT will begin milling off the bituminous wearing surface (pavement), and posting a 32-ton weight restriction for all vehicles.” There are 12 gusset plate locations anticipated. Travel lane shifts in both directions will likely be required, as well as closure of on/off ramps directly adjacent to the structure while repairs are being completed. The objective is to maintain two lanes of traffic for Route 8 NB & SB.  The bridge remains safe for the traveling public. DOT urges drivers to slow down, move over, and use caution when traveling through this area to keep themselves and workers safe.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Virtual meeting slated on Commodore Hull Bridge rehab

The public is invited to a VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING regarding the rehabilitation of Commodore Hull Bridge (Route 8) over the Housatonic River in Shelton and Derby. Residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about and discuss the proposed project.  The meeting will be live streamed via: Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live on Thursday, January 13, 2022. The formal presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a Question and Answer (Q&A) session. For more information or instructions on how to access the meeting or how to provide comments or ask questions, please see the project webpage here: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTSheltonDerby126-176. Sincerely,

State orders closing of boat ramp under Commodore Hull Bridge

Sharing e-mail message from Derby City/Town Clerk Marc Garofalo:

"The Mayor’s Office has been notified, via telephone, by the State of Connecticut DOT and DEEP that, after a joint inspection yesterday, they have ordered the Boat Ramp under the Commodore Hull Bridge on Route 8 closed until further notice. A formal notification will be forth coming.

"All Public Safety entities should take notice in case of a need to launch into the Housatonic River.

"All users should be aware that cement barriers and fencing have been installed by the State of Connecticut in order to prevent use of the boat ramp.

"When formal notification is received, it will be made available."