US Bridges

RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek

Good

Erie County, New York · 7.2 MI SE JCT Rts 78 400 · Structure no. 000000001030160

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,627
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,627 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,673 by 2041. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 78
CrossesSheldon Creek
Location7.2 MI SE JCT Rts 78 400
RouteState Highway 78
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.72198, -78.46801
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,627 (2020)
Projected traffic4,673 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek carry?

About 4,627 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m).

Who owns RTE 78 over Sheldon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.