US Bridges

New Road over Tonawanda Creek

Fair

Erie County, New York · 1.5 MI W JCT SH78&TWDA Ck · Structure no. 000000003326370

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
136 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,213
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

New Road over Tonawanda Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying New Road over Tonawanda Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 89 years old, older 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 5 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 3,213 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,975 by 2041. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNew Road
CrossesTonawanda Creek
Location1.5 MI W JCT SH78&TWDA Ck
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.08622, -78.72764
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating66 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span134 ft (40.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,213 (2019)
Projected traffic3,975 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$4.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was New Road over Tonawanda Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is New Road over Tonawanda Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does New Road over Tonawanda Creek carry?

About 3,213 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is New Road over Tonawanda Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 134 ft (40.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns New Road over Tonawanda Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.