US Bridges

RTE 5S over Plotter Kill

Fair

Schenectady County, New York · .5 MI NW of I90 Exit 26 · Structure no. 000000001003010

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,190
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5S over Plotter Kill is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 5S over Plotter Kill in Schenectady County, New York. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 86 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 4,190 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,090 by 2041. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 5S
CrossesPlotter Kill
Location.5 MI NW of I90 Exit 26
RouteState Highway 5S
CountySchenectady County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.84605, -74.01269
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,190 (2020)
Projected traffic5,090 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5S over Plotter Kill built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is RTE 5S over Plotter 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 5S over Plotter Kill carry?

About 4,190 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5S over Plotter Kill?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5S over Plotter Kill?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.