US Bridges

RTE 78 over Donner Creek

Fair

Niagara County, New York · 0.1 MI S JCT Rts 78 & 93 · Structure no. 000000001030360

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27,267
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 78 over Donner Creek is a concrete slab carrying RTE 78 over Donner Creek in Niagara County, New York. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 27,267 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,395 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 78
CrossesDonner Creek
Location0.1 MI S JCT Rts 78 & 93
RouteState Highway 78
CountyNiagara County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.13084, -78.69688
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.5 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,267 (2018)
Projected traffic27,395 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 78 over Donner Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 78 over Donner Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 78 over Donner Creek carry?

About 27,267 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 78 over Donner Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 78 over Donner Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.