US Bridges

RTE 281 over Dry Creek

Good

Cortland County, New York · 0.1 MI NE JCT RT281+222 · Structure no. 000000001044410

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,476
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 281 over Dry Creek is a concrete frame carrying RTE 281 over Dry Creek in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 17,476 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,558 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 107 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 281
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.1 MI NE JCT RT281+222
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.59941, -76.20363
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating100 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width107 ft (32.6 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,476 (2020)
Projected traffic17,558 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 281 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 281 over Dry Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 281 over Dry Creek carry?

About 17,476 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 281 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 107 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 281 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.