US Bridges

RTE 79 over Unknown Creek

Fair

Broome County, New York · 3.8 MI S JCT Rts 79 & 17 · Structure no. 000000001094510

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
629
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 79 over Unknown Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 79 over Unknown Creek in Broome County, New York. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 629 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 656 by 2041. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 79
CrossesUnknown Creek
Location3.8 MI S JCT Rts 79 & 17
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBroome County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.02749, -75.62223
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic629 (2020)
Projected traffic656 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$640,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 79 over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 79 over Unknown Creek carry?

About 629 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 79 over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 79 over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.