US Bridges

RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek

Fair

Sullivan County, New York · At Black Lake · Structure no. 000000003355370

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,933
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek in Sullivan County, New York. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 1,933 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,016 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 55
CrossesBlack Lake Creek
LocationAt Black Lake
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountySullivan County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.65138, -74.85257
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,933 (2020)
Projected traffic2,016 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek carry?

About 1,933 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 55 over Black Lake Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.