US Bridges

RTE I90 over RTE 78

Fair

Erie County, New York · JCT Rt 78 + I-90 · Structure no. 000000005030279

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,146
2017 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I90 over RTE 78 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I90 over RTE 78 in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 71 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 32,146 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,026 by 2041. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 125 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I90
CrossesRTE 78
LocationJCT Rt 78 + I-90
RouteInterstate 90
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.94992, -78.69694
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width125 ft (38.1 m)
Roadway width121 ft (37 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,146 (2017)
Projected traffic36,026 by 2041
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$13 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I90 over RTE 78 built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is RTE I90 over RTE 78 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I90 over RTE 78 carry?

About 32,146 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is RTE I90 over RTE 78?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I90 over RTE 78?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.