US Bridges

RTE 51 over Copes Brook

Fair

Otsego County, New York · 2.5 MI NE JCT SH 51 & SH · Structure no. 000000001026400

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,317
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Copes Brook is a concrete continuous culvert carrying RTE 51 over Copes Brook in Otsego County, New York. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 1,317 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,373 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 51
CrossesCopes Brook
Location2.5 MI NE JCT SH 51 & SH
RouteState Highway 51
CountyOtsego County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.43941, -75.34745
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,317 (2018)
Projected traffic1,373 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$944,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Copes Brook built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 51 over Copes Brook 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 51 over Copes Brook carry?

About 1,317 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over Copes Brook?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over Copes Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.