US Bridges

RTE 81 over Unknown Creek

Fair

Greene County, New York · 0.3 MI W JCT I87 & Rt 81 · Structure no. 000000001053610

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,431
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 81 over Unknown Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 81 over Unknown Creek in Greene County, New York. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 72 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 4,431 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,622 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 81
CrossesUnknown Creek
Location0.3 MI W JCT I87 & Rt 81
RouteState Highway 81
CountyGreene County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.36553, -73.85257
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating85 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,431 (2016)
Projected traffic4,622 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$798,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 81 over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is RTE 81 over Unknown 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 81 over Unknown Creek carry?

About 4,431 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 81 over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m).

Who owns RTE 81 over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.