US Bridges

RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek

Poor

Orange County, New York · .3 MI N JCT US 9W & US 6 · Structure no. 000000001007150

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
608 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,344
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek is a steel truss - deck carrying RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek in Orange County, New York. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 88 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 18,344 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,430 by 2041. The structure is 608 ft (185.3 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 9W
CrossesPopolopen Creek
Location.3 MI N JCT US 9W & US 6
RouteU.S. Route 9W
CountyOrange County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.32366, -73.98979
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length608 ft (185.3 m)
Longest span326 ft (99.4 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,344 (2019)
Projected traffic18,430 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$41.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek carry?

About 18,344 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek?

The structure is 608 ft (185.3 m) long with a longest span of 326 ft (99.4 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 9W over Popolopen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.