US Bridges

RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek

Good

Montgomery County, New York · 3.3 MI E JCT Rts 30A& 161 · Structure no. 000000001038820

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
465 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,851
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek in Montgomery County, New York. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 1,851 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,591 by 2040. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 161
CrossesSchoharie Creek
Location3.3 MI E JCT Rts 30A& 161
RouteState Highway 161
CountyMontgomery County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.88741, -74.27794
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span230 ft (70.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,851 (2020)
Projected traffic2,591 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$4.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 161 over Schoharie 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek carry?

About 1,851 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 230 ft (70.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 161 over Schoharie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.