US Bridges

RTE 51 over Thorp Brook

Fair

Otsego County, New York · 2 MI NE of Gilbertsville · Structure no. 000000001026420

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
670
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 51 over Thorp Brook is a steel culvert carrying RTE 51 over Thorp Brook in Otsego County, New York. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 670 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 698 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 51
CrossesThorp Brook
Location2 MI NE of Gilbertsville
RouteState Highway 51
CountyOtsego County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.49333, -75.30069
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating84 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic670 (2020)
Projected traffic698 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
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$203,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 51 over Thorp Brook built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 51 over Thorp 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 Thorp Brook carry?

About 670 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 51 over Thorp Brook?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns RTE 51 over Thorp Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.