US Bridges

RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · 0.5 M S I-81 Exit 18 · Structure no. 000000001031559

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
65,640
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 65,640 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 94,685 by 2041. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesMartin Luther King East
Location0.5 M S I-81 Exit 18
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.03446, -76.14301
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width95 ft (29 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,640 (2020)
Projected traffic94,685 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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$5.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East carry?

About 65,640 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Martin Luther King East?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.