US Bridges

RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak

Fair

Herkimer County, New York · JCT Rts 5 & 51 N of Ilion · Structure no. 00000000405118B

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
368 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,578
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak 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 5,578 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,604 by 2041. The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 51
CrossesCSX Trans/Amtrak
LocationJCT Rts 5 & 51 N of Ilion
RouteState Highway 51
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.02177, -75.02953
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length368 ft (112.2 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,578 (2013)
Projected traffic5,604 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak built?

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

What condition is RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak 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 CSX Trans/Amtrak carry?

About 5,578 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak?

The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over CSX Trans/Amtrak?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.