US Bridges

RTE 51 over Unadilla River

Fair

Chenango County, New York · .1 MI E JCT SH 51 & SH 8 · Structure no. 000000001026390

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
222 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,602
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Unadilla River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 51 over Unadilla River in Chenango County, New York. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 1,602 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,671 by 2041. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 51
CrossesUnadilla River
Location.1 MI E JCT SH 51 & SH 8
RouteState Highway 51
CountyChenango County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.42663, -75.38102
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,602 (2020)
Projected traffic1,671 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$3.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Unadilla River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 51 over Unadilla River 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 51 over Unadilla River carry?

About 1,602 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over Unadilla River?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over Unadilla River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.