US Bridges

County Road 322 over French Creek

Fair

Chautauqua County, New York · 1.3 MI NE of French Creek · Structure no. 000000003324620

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
137 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
197
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 322 over French Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 322 over French Creek in Chautauqua County, New York. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 89 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 197 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 276 by 2037. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 322
CrossesFrench Creek
Location1.3 MI NE of French Creek
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChautauqua County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.08263, -79.68633
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic197 (2017)
Projected traffic276 by 2037
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 322 over French Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is County Road 322 over French 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 322 over French Creek carry?

About 197 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is County Road 322 over French Creek?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 322 over French Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.