US Bridges

RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek

Poor

Schenectady County, New York · JCT Rtes 30 & 159 · Structure no. 000000001038730

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
371
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek is a steel culvert carrying RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek in Schenectady County, New York. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 371 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 387 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 159
CrossesSouth Chuctanunda Creek
LocationJCT Rtes 30 & 159
RouteState Highway 159
CountySchenectady County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.83021, -74.19739
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic371 (2016)
Projected traffic387 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$204,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek carry?

About 371 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m).

Who owns RTE 159 over South Chuctanunda Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.