US Bridges

RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River

Fair

Cortland County, New York · JCT RTE 81I+TIOUGHNIOGA R · Structure no. 000000001031372

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
401 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,197
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River 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 9,197 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,266 by 2041. The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesTioughnioga River
LocationJCT RTE 81I+TIOUGHNIOGA R
RouteInterstate 81
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.60723, -76.15796
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length401 ft (122.2 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,197 (2019)
Projected traffic13,266 by 2041
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River built?

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

What condition is RTE I81 over Tioughnioga 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River carry?

About 9,197 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River?

The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Tioughnioga River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.