US Bridges

RTE 5S over Steele Creek

Fair

Herkimer County, New York · 0.6MI W Insect Rts 5S &51 · Structure no. 000000001073640

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
128 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,167
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5S over Steele Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 5S over Steele Creek in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 6 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 13,167 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,432 by 2041. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 5S
CrossesSteele Creek
Location0.6MI W Insect Rts 5S &51
RouteState Highway 5S
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.02182, -75.04386
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,167 (2020)
Projected traffic16,432 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
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$2.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5S over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 5S over Steele 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 5S over Steele Creek carry?

About 13,167 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5S over Steele Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5S over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.