US Bridges

RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek

Poor

Erie County, New York · 7.4 MI E JCT SH 33 & SH78 · Structure no. 000000001022930

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,070
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,070 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,100 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 33
CrossesEllicott Creek
Location7.4 MI E JCT SH 33 & SH78
RouteState Highway 33
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.94369, -78.55621
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.4 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,070 (2020)
Projected traffic3,100 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$532,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek carry?

About 3,070 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns RTE 33 over Ellicott Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.