US Bridges

RTE I81 over RTE 178

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · JCT of Rts 178 + I-81 NB · Structure no. 000000001032082

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,065
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over RTE 178 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over RTE 178 in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 66 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 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,414 by 2041. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesRTE 178
LocationJCT of Rts 178 + I-81 NB
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.81103, -76.03448
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating89 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,065 (2019)
Projected traffic8,414 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over RTE 178 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is RTE I81 over RTE 178 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 RTE 178 carry?

About 7,065 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over RTE 178?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over RTE 178?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.