US Bridges

RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill

Fair

Albany County, New York · 5.1 MI W JCT Rts 85 & 143 · Structure no. 000000001077180

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
772
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill is a concrete frame carrying RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 772 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 805 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesRTE 85
CrossesTrib to Switzkill
Location5.1 MI W JCT Rts 85 & 143
RouteState Highway 85
Coordinates42.53104, -74.12991
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40 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 width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic772 (2021)
Projected traffic805 by 2041
Trucks5%
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$639,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill carry?

About 772 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 85 over Trib to Switzkill?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.