US Bridges

RTE I81 over RTE 173

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · JCT of Rts I-81 SB + 173 · Structure no. 000000001031501

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
274 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
19,974
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over RTE 173 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over RTE 173 in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 19,974 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks. The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesRTE 173
LocationJCT of Rts I-81 SB + 173
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.00225, -76.13501
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length274 ft (83.5 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,974 (2014)
Projected traffic—
Trucks16%
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$5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over RTE 173 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I81 over RTE 173 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 I81 over RTE 173 carry?

About 19,974 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over RTE 173?

The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over RTE 173?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.