US Bridges

RTE 81 over JFK-JB1

Fair

Queens County, New York · West of Jfk · Structure no. 000000005525100

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,687
2019 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE 81 over JFK-JB1 is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 81 over JFK-JB1 in Queens County, New York. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 19,687 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,896 by 2041. The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 81
CrossesJFK-JB1
LocationWest of Jfk
RouteInterstate 81
CountyQueens County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.66057, -73.80582
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (20.9 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,687 (2019)
Projected traffic25,896 by 2041
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$3.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 81 over JFK-JB1 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 81 over JFK-JB1 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 81 over JFK-JB1 carry?

About 19,687 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is RTE 81 over JFK-JB1?

The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m).

Who owns RTE 81 over JFK-JB1?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.