US Bridges

Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook

Fair

Herkimer County, New York · 1.0 MI S of Norway · Structure no. 000000003307860

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
213
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook is a steel arch - deck carrying Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 213 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 298 by 2037. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElm Tree Road
CrossesBig Bill Brook
Location1.0 MI S of Norway
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.19548, -74.95258
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating85.5 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic213 (2017)
Projected traffic298 by 2037
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$261,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook 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 Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook carry?

About 213 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Elm Tree Road over Big Bill Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.