US Bridges

RTE 215 over Otter Creek

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 3.6 MI N Virgil on RTE 90 · Structure no. 000000001093760

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,503
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 215 over Otter Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 215 over Otter Creek in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,503 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,104 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 215
CrossesOtter Creek
Location3.6 MI N Virgil on RTE 90
RouteState Highway 215
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.56073, -76.19053
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating82.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,503 (2020)
Projected traffic2,104 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$472,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 215 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 215 over Otter Creek 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 215 over Otter Creek carry?

About 1,503 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 215 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns RTE 215 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.