US Bridges

RTE 81 over Catskill Creek

Fair

Albany County, New York · 0.1 MI SE JCT Rt 81 & 145 · Structure no. 000000001030990

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
124 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
508
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 81 over Catskill Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 81 over Catskill Creek in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 508 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 529 by 2041. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 81
CrossesCatskill Creek
Location0.1 MI SE JCT Rt 81 & 145
RouteState Highway 81
CountyAlbany County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.41946, -74.20394
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic508 (2021)
Projected traffic529 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 81 over Catskill Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 81 over Catskill Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 81 over Catskill Creek carry?

About 508 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 81 over Catskill Creek?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 81 over Catskill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.