US Bridges

RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel

Fair

Albany County, New York · Water Tunnel · Structure no. 000000005513570

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
42,929
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel is a concrete slab carrying RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel in Albany County, New York. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 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 42,929 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 68,029 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 216 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I87
CrossesCity Water Tunnel
LocationWater Tunnel
RouteInterstate 87
CountyAlbany County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.64054, -73.79705
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width216 ft (65.8 m)
Roadway width161 ft (49 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,929 (2020)
Projected traffic68,029 by 2041
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel carry?

About 42,929 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 216 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over City Water Tunnel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency and maintained by the State Toll Authority.