US Bridges

RTE I81 over RTE 221

Fair

Cortland County, New York · JCT of Rts 221 + I-81 SB · Structure no. 000000001031301

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,386
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over RTE 221 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over RTE 221 in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 10,386 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesRTE 221
LocationJCT of Rts 221 + I-81 SB
RouteInterstate 81
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.44219, -76.03161
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,386 (2011)
Projected traffic—
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over RTE 221 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I81 over RTE 221 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over RTE 221 carry?

About 10,386 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over RTE 221?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over RTE 221?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.