US Bridges

RTE I86 over Ball Creek

Good

Chautauqua County, New York · 0.2MI.W.JCT.RTES 394 & 17 · Structure no. 000000001071539

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,073
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I86 over Ball Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE I86 over Ball Creek in Chautauqua County, New York. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 8,073 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,614 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesRTE I86
CrossesBall Creek
Location0.2MI.W.JCT.RTES 394 & 17
RouteInterstate 86
Coordinates42.1516, -79.41036
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,073 (2021)
Projected traffic9,614 by 2041
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I86 over Ball Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I86 over Ball 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I86 over Ball Creek carry?

About 8,073 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is RTE I86 over Ball Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns RTE I86 over Ball Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.