US Bridges

RTE 23 over Otselic River

Fair

Cortland County, New York · 1.4 MI NE JCT SH 26 & 41 · Structure no. 000000003312170

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
187 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,779
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 23 over Otselic River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 23 over Otselic River in Cortland County, New York. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 1,779 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,790 by 2041. The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 23
CrossesOtselic River
Location1.4 MI NE JCT SH 26 & 41
RouteState Highway 23
CountyCortland County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.53324, -75.90246
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating97 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length187 ft (57 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,779 (2020)
Projected traffic1,790 by 2041
Trucks16%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 23 over Otselic River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 23 over Otselic River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 23 over Otselic River carry?

About 1,779 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is RTE 23 over Otselic River?

The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 23 over Otselic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.