US Bridges

Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90

Poor

Erie County, New York · 0.6 MI NE of Int 57 · Structure no. 000000005512470

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
296 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,278
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90 in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,278 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,005 by 2041. The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSowles RD
Crosses90 Ix RTE I90
Location0.6 MI NE of Int 57
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.75169, -78.8328
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length296 ft (90.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,278 (2020)
Projected traffic9,005 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$7.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90 carry?

About 7,278 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90?

The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Sowles RD over 90 Ix RTE I90?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.