US Bridges

RTE 481 over South Bay Road

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · .5MI N JCT Rts 481 EB+81I · Structure no. 000000001061721

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,270
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 481 over South Bay Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 481 over South Bay Road in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, younger 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 24,270 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,619 by 2041. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 481
CrossesSouth Bay Road
Location.5MI N JCT Rts 481 EB+81I
RouteState Highway 481
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.14232, -76.11835
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
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 inspectionMay 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,270 (2020)
Projected traffic31,619 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 481 over South Bay Road built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 481 over South Bay Road 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 481 over South Bay Road carry?

About 24,270 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 481 over South Bay Road?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 481 over South Bay Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.