US Bridges

RTE 26 over Otselic River

Fair

Cortland County, New York · JCT RTE 26 + Otselic R · Structure no. 000000001018640

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
204 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,266
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 26 over Otselic River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 26 over Otselic River in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 1,266 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,769 by 2041. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 26
CrossesOtselic River
LocationJCT RTE 26 + Otselic R
RouteState Highway 26
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.47095, -75.91998
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than 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 rating85 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,266 (2020)
Projected traffic1,769 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$3.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 26 over Otselic River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 26 over Otselic 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 26 over Otselic River carry?

About 1,266 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is RTE 26 over Otselic River?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 26 over Otselic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.