US Bridges

RTE I90 over Sterling Creek

Poor

Herkimer County, New York · 2.5 MI NE of E. Schuyler · Structure no. 000000005516092

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,248
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I90 over Sterling Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I90 over Sterling Creek in Herkimer County, New York. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 71 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 10,248 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,807 by 2041. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 56 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesRTE I90
CrossesSterling Creek
Location2.5 MI NE of E. Schuyler
RouteInterstate 90
CountyHerkimer County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.07872, -75.10926
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width56 ft (17 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,248 (2020)
Projected traffic11,807 by 2041
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I90 over Sterling Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is RTE I90 over Sterling Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I90 over Sterling Creek carry?

About 10,248 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is RTE I90 over Sterling Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I90 over Sterling Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.