US Bridges

RTE 5 over Smokes Creek

Fair

Erie County, New York · 1.6 MI N JCT Rts 5 + 179 · Structure no. 000000001001490

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,593
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5 over Smokes Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 5 over Smokes Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 34,593 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,755 by 2041. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 5
CrossesSmokes Creek
Location1.6 MI N JCT Rts 5 + 179
RouteState Highway 5
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.81283, -78.84545
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.9 m)
Roadway width81 ft (24.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,593 (2019)
Projected traffic34,755 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5 over Smokes Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 5 over Smokes 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 5 over Smokes Creek carry?

About 34,593 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5 over Smokes Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5 over Smokes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.