US Bridges

RTE 281 over Factory Brook

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 0.7 MI N JCT Rts 90 + 281 · Structure no. 000000001044420

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,902
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 281 over Factory Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 281 over Factory Brook in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 8,902 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,814 by 2041. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 281
CrossesFactory Brook
Location0.7 MI N JCT Rts 90 + 281
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.64337, -76.18844
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,902 (2020)
Projected traffic10,814 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 281 over Factory Brook built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 281 over Factory 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 281 over Factory Brook carry?

About 8,902 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 281 over Factory Brook?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 281 over Factory Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.