US Bridges

U.S.4 over Poesten Kill

Fair

Rensselaer County, New York · 1.2 MI N JCT SH378 & US4 · Structure no. 000000002000940

Built
1875
150 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
85 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,680
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S.4 over Poesten Kill is a masonry arch - deck carrying U.S.4 over Poesten Kill in Rensselaer County, New York. It was built in 1875, so it is 150 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 6,680 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,711 by 2041. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU.S.4
CrossesPoesten Kill
Location1.2 MI N JCT SH378 & US4
RouteU.S. Route 0
CountyRensselaer County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.72001, -73.69272
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating91.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,680 (2018)
Projected traffic6,711 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$5.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S.4 over Poesten Kill built?

It was built in 1875, making it 150 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S.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 September 2023.

How much traffic does U.S.4 over Poesten Kill carry?

About 6,680 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is U.S.4 over Poesten Kill?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns U.S.4 over Poesten Kill?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.