US Bridges

RTE 26 over Willet Creek

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 0.7 MI E JCT Rts 26 + 221 · Structure no. 000000001018630

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,049
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 26 over Willet Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying RTE 26 over Willet Creek in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 1,049 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,466 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 26
CrossesWillet Creek
Location0.7 MI E JCT Rts 26 + 221
RouteState Highway 26
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.4686, -75.91189
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,049 (2020)
Projected traffic1,466 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$484,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 26 over Willet Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 26 over Willet 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 26 over Willet Creek carry?

About 1,049 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 26 over Willet Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 26 over Willet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.