US Bridges

RTE I87 over RTE 143

Fair

Albany County, New York · JCT I87 & RTE 143 · Structure no. 000000005038059

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,910
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I87 over RTE 143 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over RTE 143 in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 73 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 35,910 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,906 by 2041. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 124 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I87
CrossesRTE 143
LocationJCT I87 & RTE 143
RouteInterstate 87
CountyAlbany County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.47245, -73.80616
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.8 m)
Roadway width120 ft (36.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,910 (2020)
Projected traffic56,906 by 2041
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 km)
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$7.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over RTE 143 built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is RTE I87 over RTE 143 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over RTE 143 carry?

About 35,910 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over RTE 143?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over RTE 143?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.