US Bridges

RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 2.5 Mi.Sw of Alex. Bay · Structure no. 000000005523240

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
4,500 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,786
2019 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C is a steel suspension carrying RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 87 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 3,786 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,509 by 2041. The structure is 4,500 ft (1,371.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesTiba Shop Access Road C
Location2.5 Mi.Sw of Alex. Bay
RouteInterstate 81
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.30149, -75.98182
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.3 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans3 (+42 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length4,500 ft (1,371.6 m)
Longest span800 ft (243.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,786 (2019)
Projected traffic4,509 by 2041
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$197.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C carry?

About 3,786 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C?

The structure is 4,500 ft (1,371.6 m) long with a longest span of 800 ft (243.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Tiba Shop Access Road C?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.