US Bridges

RTE I481 over Butternut Creek

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · .4 MI SW JCT I481 & S.H.5 · Structure no. 000000001044440

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
26,649
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I481 over Butternut Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE I481 over Butternut Creek in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1963, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 26,649 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,441 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 125 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I481
CrossesButternut Creek
Location.4 MI SW JCT I481 & S.H.5
RouteInterstate 481
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.02759, -76.06249
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width125 ft (38 m)
Roadway width122 ft (37.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,649 (2019)
Projected traffic38,441 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$2.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I481 over Butternut Creek built?

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

What condition is RTE I481 over Butternut 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I481 over Butternut Creek carry?

About 26,649 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE I481 over Butternut Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I481 over Butternut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.