US Bridges

RTE 42 over Bush Kill

Fair

Orange County, New York · 5.1 MI N JCT Rts 42+97 · Structure no. 000000001024970

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,875
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 42 over Bush Kill is a concrete continuous culvert carrying RTE 42 over Bush Kill in Orange County, New York. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 2,875 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,192 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 42
CrossesBush Kill
Location5.1 MI N JCT Rts 42+97
RouteState Highway 42
CountyOrange County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.46752, -74.72938
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,875 (2016)
Projected traffic3,192 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$792,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 42 over Bush Kill built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 42 over Bush Kill 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 42 over Bush Kill carry?

About 2,875 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 42 over Bush Kill?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 42 over Bush Kill?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.