US Bridges

RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 0.6 MI S JCT Rts I-81 +41 · Structure no. 000000001031351

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
272 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,861
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook 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 9,861 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesRidge Road Trout Brook
Location0.6 MI S JCT Rts I-81 +41
RouteInterstate 81
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.58639, -76.12763
Functional classUrban 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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,861 (2009)
Projected traffic—
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$4.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook built?

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

What condition is RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook carry?

About 9,861 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Ridge Road Trout Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.