US Bridges

RTE I481 over RTE 5

Poor

Onondaga County, New York · JCT of I481 NB & SH 5 · Structure no. 000000001002132

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,832
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I481 over RTE 5 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I481 over RTE 5 in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 62 years old, older 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 4 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 23,832 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,377 by 2041. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I481
CrossesRTE 5
LocationJCT of I481 NB & SH 5
RouteInterstate 481
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.03343, -76.05941
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,832 (2019)
Projected traffic34,377 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I481 over RTE 5 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is RTE I481 over RTE 5 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I481 over RTE 5 carry?

About 23,832 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE I481 over RTE 5?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I481 over RTE 5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.