US Bridges

RTE 74 over Putnam Creek

Fair

Essex County, New York · RTE 74 at Chilson · Structure no. 000000001029620

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,631
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 74 over Putnam Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 74 over Putnam Creek in Essex County, New York. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 1,631 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,739 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 74
CrossesPutnam Creek
LocationRTE 74 at Chilson
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.87779, -73.53661
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,631 (2020)
Projected traffic1,739 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$913,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 74 over Putnam Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 74 over Putnam 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 74 over Putnam Creek carry?

About 1,631 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 74 over Putnam Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 74 over Putnam Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.