US Bridges

RTE 20 over Freelings Creek

Good

Chautauqua County, New York · 1.9 MI SW JCT Rts 17 & 20 · Structure no. 000000001071210

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,485
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 20 over Freelings Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 20 over Freelings Creek in Chautauqua County, New York. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,485 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,508 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 20
CrossesFreelings Creek
Location1.9 MI SW JCT Rts 17 & 20
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyChautauqua County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.30687, -79.60844
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,485 (2021)
Projected traffic2,508 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$430,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 20 over Freelings Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 20 over Freelings Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 20 over Freelings Creek carry?

About 2,485 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 20 over Freelings Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns RTE 20 over Freelings Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.