US Bridges

Sparks Road over Clear Creek

Fair

Cattaraugus County, New York · 3.3 MI NW of Freedom · Structure no. 000000003321640

Built
1983
42 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
311
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sparks Road over Clear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sparks Road over Clear Creek in Cattaraugus County, New York. It was built in 1983 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 42 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 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 311 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 435 by 2040. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSparks Road
CrossesClear Creek
Location3.3 MI NW of Freedom
CountyCattaraugus County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.50496, -78.38788
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic311 (2020)
Projected traffic435 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Sparks Road over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Sparks Road over Clear 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Sparks Road over Clear Creek carry?

About 311 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sparks Road over Clear Creek?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Sparks Road over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.