US Bridges

RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · Connection I81NB & I690EB · Structure no. 00000000105384A

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
727 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,888
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 8,888 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,820 by 2041. The structure is 727 ft (221.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I81
CrossesErie Boulevard East Wat
LocationConnection I81NB & I690EB
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.05082, -76.14247
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length727 ft (221.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,888 (2021)
Projected traffic12,820 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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$9.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat carry?

About 8,888 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat?

The structure is 727 ft (221.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Erie Boulevard East Wat?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.