US Bridges

RTE I81 over Mill Creek

Good

Jefferson County, New York · 0.1 MI N JCT I-81 + 232 · Structure no. 000000001032150

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,133
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE I81 over Mill Creek in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1959, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 17,133 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,358 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesRTE I81
CrossesMill Creek
Location0.1 MI N JCT I-81 + 232
RouteInterstate 81
Coordinates43.91742, -75.97557
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,133 (2019)
Projected traffic22,358 by 2041
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$611,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Mill Creek built?

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

What condition is RTE I81 over Mill Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Mill Creek carry?

About 17,133 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns RTE I81 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.