US Bridges

RTE 281 over Cold Brook

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 3.0 MI N JCT Rts 41 + 281 · Structure no. 000000001044430

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,588
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 281 over Cold Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 281 over Cold Brook in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 2012, 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 6 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 4,588 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,414 by 2041. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 281
CrossesCold Brook
Location3.0 MI N JCT Rts 41 + 281
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.68568, -76.16944
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,588 (2020)
Projected traffic6,414 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$971,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 281 over Cold Brook built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is RTE 281 over Cold 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 281 over Cold Brook carry?

About 4,588 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 281 over Cold Brook?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 281 over Cold Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.