US Bridges

RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek

Fair

Otsego County, New York · At Gilbertsville · Structure no. 000000001026410

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,317
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek in Otsego County, New York. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 106 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 51
CrossesDunderberg Creek
LocationAt Gilbertsville
RouteState Highway 51
CountyOtsego County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.47192, -75.32719
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,317 (2018)
Projected traffic1,373 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$538,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek carry?

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

How long is RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 51 over Dunderberg Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.