US Bridges

RTE 85A over Vly Creek

Fair

Albany County, New York · 0.4 E JCT Rts 85A & 156 · Structure no. 000000001032700

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,462
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 85A over Vly Creek is a concrete frame carrying RTE 85A over Vly Creek in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 6 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 8,462 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,470 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesRTE 85A
CrossesVly Creek
Location0.4 E JCT Rts 85A & 156
RouteState Highway 85A
Coordinates42.65034, -73.92694
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,462 (2019)
Projected traffic10,470 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$920,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 85A over Vly Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 85A over Vly 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 85A over Vly Creek carry?

About 8,462 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is RTE 85A over Vly Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 85A over Vly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.