US Bridges

RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat

Fair

Albany County, New York · JCT I87 & Rensselaer Lake · Structure no. 000000001033112

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
190 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,189
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 66 years old, older 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 16,189 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,654 by 2041. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I87
CrossesRensselaer Lake Recreat
LocationJCT I87 & Rensselaer Lake
RouteInterstate 87
CountyAlbany County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.69816, -73.83663
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,189 (2017)
Projected traffic25,654 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$3.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat carry?

About 16,189 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over Rensselaer Lake Recreat?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.