US Bridges

RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel

Poor

Monroe County, New York · In Rochester · Structure no. 000000002256080

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
205 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,968
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel is a concrete continuous slab carrying RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel in Monroe County, New York. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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 3 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 6,968 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,464 by 2041. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 31
CrossesSubway Tunnel
LocationIn Rochester
RouteCity Street 31
CountyMonroe County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.15463, -77.60902
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,968 (2019)
Projected traffic8,464 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$5.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel carry?

About 6,968 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 31 over Subway Tunnel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.