US Bridges

County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet

Fair

Cayuga County, New York · 1.7 MI SE JCT SH38 & SH90 · Structure no. 000000003311620

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
54 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
116
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 95 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 116 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 162 by 2037. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 55
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location1.7 MI SE JCT SH38 & SH90
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.63171, -76.39757
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic116 (2017)
Projected traffic162 by 2037
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet carry?

About 116 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 55 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.