US Bridges

RTE I90 over Buffalo River

Fair

Erie County, New York · .7 MI S JCT I90 & SH 354 · Structure no. 000000005512079

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
368 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
131,277
2018 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I90 over Buffalo River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I90 over Buffalo River in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 68 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 131,277 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 147,122 by 2041. The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long and 141 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I90
CrossesBuffalo River
Location.7 MI S JCT I90 & SH 354
RouteInterstate 90
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.86779, -78.7913
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101.6 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length368 ft (112.2 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width141 ft (43.1 m)
Roadway width135 ft (41.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131,277 (2018)
Projected traffic147,122 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$33.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I90 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is RTE I90 over Buffalo River 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 RTE I90 over Buffalo River carry?

About 131,277 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE I90 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 141 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I90 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.