US Bridges

RTE 240 over Sprague Brook

Poor

Erie County, New York · 6.3 MI N JCT SH240 & SH39 · Structure no. 000000003042490

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,496
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 240 over Sprague Brook is a steel culvert carrying RTE 240 over Sprague Brook in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 2,496 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,520 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 240
CrossesSprague Brook
Location6.3 MI N JCT SH240 & SH39
RouteState Highway 240
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.59489, -78.65009
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,496 (2020)
Projected traffic2,520 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$464,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 240 over Sprague Brook built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 240 over Sprague Brook 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 240 over Sprague Brook carry?

About 2,496 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 240 over Sprague Brook?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns RTE 240 over Sprague Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.