US Bridges

RTE I81 over RTE 31

Poor

Onondaga County, New York · JCT of Rts I-81 SB + 31 · Structure no. 000000001021961

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,876
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over RTE 31 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over RTE 31 in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 24,876 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks. The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesRTE 31
LocationJCT of Rts I-81 SB + 31
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.1756, -76.11609
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length163 ft (49.7 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,876 (2014)
Projected traffic—
Trucks13%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over RTE 31 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I81 over RTE 31 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over RTE 31 carry?

About 24,876 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over RTE 31?

The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over RTE 31?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.