US Bridges

RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal

Fair

Oswego County, New York · 81I SB over Oneida Lake · Structure no. 000000004031761

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
475 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,270
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal in Oswego County, New York. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 66 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 18,270 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks. The structure is 475 ft (144.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I81
CrossesNys Barge Canal
Location81I SB over Oneida Lake
RouteInterstate 81
CountyOswego County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.23937, -76.13074
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length475 ft (144.8 m)
Longest span320 ft (97.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,270 (2007)
Projected traffic—
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$8.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal carry?

About 18,270 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal?

The structure is 475 ft (144.8 m) long with a longest span of 320 ft (97.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I81 over Nys Barge Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.