US Bridges

Spencer Road over Alder Brook

Poor

Franklin County, New York · 1.4MI NW Burke Center · Structure no. 000000002219680

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
245
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spencer Road over Alder Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Spencer Road over Alder Brook in Franklin County, New York. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 245 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 343 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesSpencer Road
CrossesAlder Brook
Location1.4MI NW Burke Center
CountyFranklin County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.93193, -74.20411
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic245 (2020)
Projected traffic343 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$344,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spencer Road over Alder Brook built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Spencer Road over Alder Brook 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Spencer Road over Alder Brook carry?

About 245 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Spencer Road over Alder Brook?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Spencer Road over Alder Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.