US Bridges

RTE 20A over Smokes Creek

Poor

Erie County, New York · 1.7 MI E JCT Rts 20A+ 277 · Structure no. 000000001063070

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,098
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 20A over Smokes Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 20A over Smokes Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 7,098 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,131 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 20A
CrossesSmokes Creek
Location1.7 MI E JCT Rts 20A+ 277
RouteU.S. Route 20A
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.77078, -78.7117
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.4 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,098 (2020)
Projected traffic7,131 by 2041
Trucks5%
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$581,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 20A over Smokes Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 20A over Smokes 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 July 2024.

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

About 7,098 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 20A over Smokes Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns RTE 20A over Smokes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.