US Bridges

RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad

Fair

Onondaga County, New York · .1 MI SE JCT SH 173 & SH5 · Structure no. 000000003093490

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
212 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,202
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad in Onondaga County, New York. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 50 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 8,202 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,963 by 2041. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 173
CrossesFinger Lakes Railroad
Location.1 MI SE JCT SH 173 & SH5
RouteState Highway 173
CountyOnondaga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.05222, -76.24234
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,202 (2020)
Projected traffic9,963 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad carry?

About 8,202 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 173 over Finger Lakes Railroad?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.