US Bridges

RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR

Poor

Tioga County, New York · 0.2 MI SE JCT SH17 & SH34 · Structure no. 000000001061511

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
220 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,583
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR in Tioga County, New York. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 52 years old, younger 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 8,583 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,946 by 2041. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 17
CrossesIthaca Central RR
Location0.2 MI SE JCT SH17 & SH34
RouteState Highway 17
CountyTioga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.00018, -76.5216
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,583 (2021)
Projected traffic9,946 by 2041
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR carry?

About 8,583 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 17 over Ithaca Central RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.