US Bridges

RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Erie County, New York · 3.2 MI E JCT Rt 20A & 400 · Structure no. 000000001016100

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
106 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,370
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 4,370 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,609 by 2041. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 20A
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location3.2 MI E JCT Rt 20A & 400
RouteU.S. Route 20A
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.76818, -78.53067
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.6 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,370 (2021)
Projected traffic4,609 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$3.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 20A over Buffalo 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,370 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.6 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 20A over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.