US Bridges

RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek

FairPosted for load

Erie County, New York · .6 MI E JCT SH 5 & SH 277 · Structure no. 000000001001650

Built
1882
143 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,825
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1882 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 143 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 29,825 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,965 by 2041. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 5
CrossesEllicott Creek
Location.6 MI E JCT SH 5 & SH 277
RouteState Highway 5
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.96302, -78.74358
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,825 (2019)
Projected traffic29,965 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure5
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek built?

It was built in 1882, making it 143 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is RTE 5 over Ellicott 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 5 over Ellicott Creek carry?

About 29,825 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5 over Ellicott Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.