US Bridges

RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal

Poor

Seneca County, New York · JCT US 20 & Cay & Sen Cnl · Structure no. 000000004001970

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
315 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,332
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal in Seneca County, New York. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 12,332 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,751 by 2041. The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 5
CrossesCay & Sen Canal
LocationJCT US 20 & Cay & Sen Cnl
RouteState Highway 5
CountySeneca County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.96297, -76.73834
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2024
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88.8 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length315 ft (96 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,332 (2021)
Projected traffic12,751 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$18.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal carry?

About 12,332 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal?

The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 5 over Cay & Sen Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.