US Bridges

RTE I81 over Salmon River

Fair

Oswego County, New York · Exit 36 Bet CR2 & NYS13 · Structure no. 000000001031902

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
218 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,692
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Salmon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Salmon River in Oswego 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 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 6,692 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,501 by 2041. The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesSalmon River
LocationExit 36 Bet CR2 & NYS13
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOswego County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.55948, -76.11365
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length218 ft (66.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,692 (2019)
Projected traffic7,501 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Salmon River built?

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

What condition is RTE I81 over Salmon River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Salmon River carry?

About 6,692 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Salmon River?

The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Salmon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.