US Bridges

RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream

Fair

Dutchess County, New York · 0.1 MI W JCT Rts 55+216 · Structure no. 000000001027180

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,768
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream in Dutchess County, New York. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 86 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 8,768 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,809 by 2041. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 55
CrossesWhaley Lake Stream
Location0.1 MI W JCT Rts 55+216
RouteState Highway 55
CountyDutchess County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.60784, -73.67448
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,768 (2020)
Projected traffic8,809 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream carry?

About 8,768 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 55 over Whaley Lake Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.