US Bridges

RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook

Fair

Essex County, New York · 5.7 MI N JCT Rts I87 & 9N · Structure no. 000000001033791

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
141
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook 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 141 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 168 by 2041. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I87
CrossesSpruce Mill Brook
Location5.7 MI N JCT Rts I87 & 9N
RouteInterstate 87
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.28439, -73.53193
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span95 ft (28.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic141 (2020)
Projected traffic168 by 2041
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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$2.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook built?

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

What condition is RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook 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 Spruce Mill Brook carry?

About 141 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (28.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over Spruce Mill Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.