US Bridges

RTE 26 over Otselic River

Poor

Chenango County, New York · 0.7 MI SW JCT CR42 & SH26 · Structure no. 000000001018740

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
920
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 26 over Otselic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 26 over Otselic River in Chenango County, New York. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 101 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 920 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,288 by 2038. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesRTE 26
CrossesOtselic River
Location0.7 MI SW JCT CR42 & SH26
RouteState Highway 26
Coordinates42.63129, -75.80646
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to 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 rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic920 (2018)
Projected traffic1,288 by 2038
Trucks13%
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

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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 26 over Otselic River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is RTE 26 over Otselic River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 26 over Otselic River carry?

About 920 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 26 over Otselic River?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 26 over Otselic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.