US Bridges

RTE 26 over Otselic River

Fair

Cortland County, New York · RTE 26 at Chenango Cl · Structure no. 000000001018700

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
111 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,149
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 26 over Otselic River is a concrete arch - deck carrying RTE 26 over Otselic River in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 1,149 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,609 by 2038. The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 26
CrossesOtselic River
LocationRTE 26 at Chenango Cl
RouteState Highway 26
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.57553, -75.87839
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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating11.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length111 ft (33.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,149 (2018)
Projected traffic1,609 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 26 over Otselic River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 26 over Otselic River carry?

About 1,149 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 26 over Otselic River?

The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 26 over Otselic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.