US Bridges

RTE 971V over Black River

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 1 MI NE of Black River · Structure no. 000000003338960

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
418 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,599
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 971V over Black River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying RTE 971V over Black River in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 83 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 6 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 2,599 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,215 by 2041. The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 971V
CrossesBlack River
Location1 MI NE of Black River
RouteState Highway 971V
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.02332, -75.76588
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length418 ft (127.4 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,599 (2015)
Projected traffic3,215 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$6.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 971V over Black River built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is RTE 971V over Black River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 971V over Black River carry?

About 2,599 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 971V over Black River?

The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 971V over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.