US Bridges

RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE

Fair

Herkimer County, New York · JCT Rts 5+51 N of Ilion · Structure no. 000000004051180

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
697 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,388
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 57 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 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 5,388 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,545 by 2041. The structure is 697 ft (212.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 51
CrossesEmpire State Trail RTE
LocationJCT Rts 5+51 N of Ilion
RouteState Highway 51
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.02093, -75.03056
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length697 ft (212.4 m)
Longest span185 ft (56.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,388 (2020)
Projected traffic6,545 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$6.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE carry?

About 5,388 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE?

The structure is 697 ft (212.4 m) long with a longest span of 185 ft (56.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over Empire State Trail RTE?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.