US Bridges

Brownell Road over Brownell Branch

Fair

Chautauqua County, New York · 1.6 MI S of Clymer Center · Structure no. 000000003324130

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
197
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Brownell Road over Brownell Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Brownell Road over Brownell Branch in Chautauqua County, New York. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 75 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 197 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 276 by 2038. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBrownell Road
CrossesBrownell Branch
Location1.6 MI S of Clymer Center
CountyChautauqua County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.03156, -79.58874
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic197 (2018)
Projected traffic276 by 2038
Trucks6%
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$2.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Brownell Road over Brownell Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Brownell Road over Brownell Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Brownell Road over Brownell Branch carry?

About 197 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Brownell Road over Brownell Branch?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Brownell Road over Brownell Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.