US Bridges

RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek

Fair

Erie County, New York · 2.6 Mi.Sw of I-90 Int 57A · Structure no. 000000005512331

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
283 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,878
2014 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2012, 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 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 11,878 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks. The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I90
CrossesBig Sister Creek
Location2.6 Mi.Sw of I-90 Int 57A
RouteInterstate 90
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.63156, -78.99488
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length283 ft (86.3 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,878 (2014)
Projected traffic—
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$9.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is RTE I90 over Big Sister 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 RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek carry?

About 11,878 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek?

The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I90 over Big Sister Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.