US Bridges

RTE I87 over Black River

Fair

Essex County, New York · Rt I87 2.6 MI N Exit 31 · Structure no. 000000001033762

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
133 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,024
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I87 over Black River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over Black River in Essex County, New York. It was built in 1965, 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 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 3,024 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,601 by 2041. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I87
CrossesBlack River
LocationRt I87 2.6 MI N Exit 31
RouteInterstate 87
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.24605, -73.50158
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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,024 (2021)
Projected traffic3,601 by 2041
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over Black River built?

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

What condition is RTE I87 over Black 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over Black River carry?

About 3,024 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over Black River?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.