US Bridges

RTE 4 over Poesten Kill

Fair

Rensselaer County, New York · 1.2 Mi.N.Jct SH 378 & US4 · Structure no. 000000002000170

Built
1886
139 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,758
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 4 over Poesten Kill is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 4 over Poesten Kill in Rensselaer County, New York. It was built in 1886 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 139 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 7,758 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,794 by 2041. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 4
CrossesPoesten Kill
Location1.2 Mi.N.Jct SH 378 & US4
RouteU.S. Route 4
CountyRensselaer County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.71987, -73.69152
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,758 (2016)
Projected traffic7,794 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 4 over Poesten Kill built?

It was built in 1886, making it 139 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is RTE 4 over Poesten Kill 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 4 over Poesten Kill carry?

About 7,758 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 4 over Poesten Kill?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 4 over Poesten Kill?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.