US Bridges

RTE 5 over Sterling Creek

Fair

Herkimer County, New York · 5.6 MI W JCT Rts 5 & 51 · Structure no. 000000001002390

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
77 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,595
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5 over Sterling Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying RTE 5 over Sterling Creek in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 96 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 5,595 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,621 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 5
CrossesSterling Creek
Location5.6 MI W JCT Rts 5 & 51
RouteState Highway 5
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.07626, -75.11229
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,595 (2019)
Projected traffic5,621 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5 over Sterling Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is RTE 5 over Sterling 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 5 over Sterling Creek carry?

About 5,595 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5 over Sterling Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5 over Sterling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.