US Bridges

CR 79 over Poesten Kill

Fair

Rensselaer County, New York · 1.3MI.SE.POESTENKILL · Structure no. 000000003303590

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,747
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 79 over Poesten Kill is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 79 over Poesten Kill in Rensselaer County, New York. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 85 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 1,747 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,446 by 2039. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 79
CrossesPoesten Kill
Location1.3MI.SE.POESTENKILL
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRensselaer County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.68339, -73.54043
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,747 (2019)
Projected traffic2,446 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$615,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 79 over Poesten Kill built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is CR 79 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does CR 79 over Poesten Kill carry?

About 1,747 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is CR 79 over Poesten Kill?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 79 over Poesten Kill?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.