US Bridges

Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree

Fair

Erie County, New York · 1 Mile SE of Orchard Park · Structure no. 000000003328020

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,189
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree is a concrete culvert carrying Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 3,189 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,945 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFreeman Road
CrossesNorth Branch Smokes Cree
Location1 Mile SE of Orchard Park
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.75645, -78.73204
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,189 (2019)
Projected traffic3,945 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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$475,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree 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 2024.

How much traffic does Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree carry?

About 3,189 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Freeman Road over North Branch Smokes Cree?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.