US Bridges

RTE 79 over Unknown Creek

Fair

Broome County, New York · 4.9MI W JCT Rts 79 + I-81 · Structure no. 000000001030560

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,870
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 79 over Unknown Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 79 over Unknown Creek in Broome County, New York. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 2,870 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,897 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 79
CrossesUnknown Creek
Location4.9MI W JCT Rts 79 + I-81
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBroome County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.35789, -76.07728
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,870 (2020)
Projected traffic2,897 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$483,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 79 over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 79 over Unknown 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 79 over Unknown Creek carry?

About 2,870 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is RTE 79 over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 79 over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.