US Bridges

RTE 78 over Black Creek

Good

Erie County, New York · 1.6 MI S JCT Rts 78 + 263 · Structure no. 000000001030330

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,628
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 78 over Black Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying RTE 78 over Black Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 14,628 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,696 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 78
CrossesBlack Creek
Location1.6 MI S JCT Rts 78 + 263
RouteState Highway 78
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.05936, -78.6969
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
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,628 (2020)
Projected traffic14,696 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 78 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 78 over Black 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 78 over Black Creek carry?

About 14,628 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 78 over Black Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 78 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.