US Bridges

County Road 85 over RTE I81

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 2.5 MI S JCT 178 + I-81 · Structure no. 000000001032040

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
316
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 85 over RTE I81 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 85 over RTE I81 in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 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 316 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 442 by 2035. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 85
CrossesRTE I81
Location2.5 MI S JCT 178 + I-81
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.77711, -76.04434
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic316 (2015)
Projected traffic442 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 85 over RTE I81 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 85 over RTE I81 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 County Road 85 over RTE I81 carry?

About 316 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Road 85 over RTE I81?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 85 over RTE I81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.