US Bridges

RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek

Fair

Cattaraugus County, New York · 1.1 MI SW JCT Rts 242+240 · Structure no. 000000001042780

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,988
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek in Cattaraugus County, New York. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,988 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,007 by 2041. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 242
CrossesGreat Valley Creek
Location1.1 MI SW JCT Rts 242+240
RouteState Highway 242
CountyCattaraugus County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.31106, -78.62242
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,988 (2020)
Projected traffic2,007 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$2.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 242 over Great Valley 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek carry?

About 1,988 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 242 over Great Valley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.