US Bridges

West Drive over 79th ST Transvers

Fair

New York County, New York · In Central Park · Structure no. 000000002246240

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
231
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Drive over 79th ST Transvers is a masonry arch - deck carrying West Drive over 79th ST Transvers in New York County, New York. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 231 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 156 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Drive
Crosses79th ST Transvers
LocationIn Central Park
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNew York County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.77993, -73.97103
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width156 ft (47.5 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic231 (2019)
Projected traffic280 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$5.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was West Drive over 79th ST Transvers built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Drive over 79th ST Transvers 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does West Drive over 79th ST Transvers carry?

About 231 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is West Drive over 79th ST Transvers?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 156 ft wide.

Who owns West Drive over 79th ST Transvers?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.