US Bridges

RTE I87 over Branch River

Fair

Essex County, New York · JCT I87 & Branch R · Structure no. 000000001033701

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
272 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,498
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I87 over Branch River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over Branch River in Essex County, New York. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 60 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 4,498 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I87
CrossesBranch River
LocationJCT I87 & Branch R
RouteInterstate 87
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.94901, -73.74017
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,498 (2015)
Projected traffic—
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$4.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over Branch River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is RTE I87 over Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over Branch River carry?

About 4,498 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over Branch River?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over Branch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.