US Bridges

RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst

Fair

Erie County, New York · 0.8 MI SW Int Rt 263 +270 · Structure no. 000000001071720

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
245 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,861
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 14,861 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,930 by 2041. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 263
CrossesEllicott Creek Amherst
Location0.8 MI SW Int Rt 263 +270
RouteState Highway 263
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.006, -78.7731
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,861 (2020)
Projected traffic14,930 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$11.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst carry?

About 14,861 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 263 over Ellicott Creek Amherst?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.