US Bridges

RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8

Poor

Cortland County, New York · JCT Rts 281 + I-81 · Structure no. 000000001031450

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
343 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,932
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,932 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,701 by 2041. The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 281
Crosses81I 81I32023096 RTE I8
LocationJCT Rts 281 + I-81
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.74627, -76.13782
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length343 ft (104.5 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,932 (2020)
Projected traffic2,701 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$4.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8 built?

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

What condition is RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8 carry?

About 1,932 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8?

The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 281 over 81I 81I32023096 RTE I8?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.