US Bridges

RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek

Good

Erie County, New York · 0.1 MI N JCT Rts 78 & 33 · Structure no. 000000001030250

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,606
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 66 years old, older 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 27,606 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,735 by 2041. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 78
CrossesEllicott Creek
Location0.1 MI N JCT Rts 78 & 33
RouteState Highway 78
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.93858, -78.69699
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating8.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.8 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,606 (2018)
Projected traffic27,735 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$4.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is RTE 78 over Ellicott 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek carry?

About 27,606 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 78 over Ellicott Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.