US Bridges

RTE 221 over Merrill Creek

Poor

Cortland County, New York · 2.5 MI NE JCT Rts 221 +11 · Structure no. 000000001041810

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
921
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 221 over Merrill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 221 over Merrill Creek in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 921 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,287 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 221
CrossesMerrill Creek
Location2.5 MI NE JCT Rts 221 +11
RouteState Highway 221
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.45596, -75.988
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic921 (2020)
Projected traffic1,287 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$576,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 221 over Merrill Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 221 over Merrill Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 221 over Merrill Creek carry?

About 921 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 221 over Merrill Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m).

Who owns RTE 221 over Merrill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.