US Bridges

RTE I81 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 0.1 MI S JCT 178 + I-81 · Structure no. 000000001032072

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
267 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,065
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Sandy Creek in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2022, 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 7,065 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,414 by 2041. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.1 MI S JCT 178 + I-81
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.81015, -76.0349
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length267 ft (81.4 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,065 (2019)
Projected traffic8,414 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$2.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is RTE I81 over Sandy Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 7,065 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.