US Bridges

Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill

Fair

Orange County, New York · 3.4 MI NE JCT Rts 17+207 · Structure no. 000000003344670

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,444
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill in Orange County, New York. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 2,444 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,023 by 2041. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSarah Wells Trail
CrossesOtter Kill
Location3.4 MI NE JCT Rts 17+207
CountyOrange County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.42524, -74.28277
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,444 (2021)
Projected traffic3,023 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$3.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sarah Wells Trail over Otter 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill carry?

About 2,444 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Sarah Wells Trail over Otter Kill?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.