US Bridges

RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk

Fair

Cattaraugus County, New York · .4 MI W JCT SH242 & SH353 · Structure no. 000000001042740

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,968
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk in Cattaraugus County, New York. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 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 5,968 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,295 by 2041. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 25.5 mi (41 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 242
CrossesLittle Valley Crk
Location.4 MI W JCT SH242 & SH353
RouteState Highway 242
CountyCattaraugus County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.24313, -78.78444
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating96 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,968 (2020)
Projected traffic6,295 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed25.5 mi (41 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$2.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk carry?

About 5,968 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 242 over Little Valley Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.