US Bridges

RTE 51 over Steele Creek

Good

Herkimer County, New York · 0.7 MI S JCT Rts 5S+51 · Structure no. 000000001026490

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Steele Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 51 over Steele Creek in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,170 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,850 by 2041. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 51
CrossesSteele Creek
Location0.7 MI S JCT Rts 5S+51
RouteState Highway 51
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.00898, -75.04124
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,170 (2020)
Projected traffic3,850 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 51 over Steele Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 51 over Steele Creek carry?

About 3,170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.