US Bridges

RTE I81 over Mullet Creek

Poor

Jefferson County, New York · 5 MI N Int I81 & S H 411 · Structure no. 000000001094670

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,212
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Mullet Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE I81 over Mullet Creek in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 4,212 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,016 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesMullet Creek
Location5 MI N Int I81 & S H 411
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.24508, -75.94891
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,212 (2019)
Projected traffic5,016 by 2041
Trucks29%
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$267,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Mullet Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I81 over Mullet 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Mullet Creek carry?

About 4,212 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Mullet Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns RTE I81 over Mullet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.