US Bridges

RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 1.0 MI NE 13 +schuyler Cl · Structure no. 000000001010270

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,214
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek in Tompkins 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 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 7,214 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,459 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 13
CrossesChaffee Creek
Location1.0 MI NE 13 +schuyler Cl
RouteState Highway 13
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.30482, -76.67664
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,214 (2020)
Projected traffic7,459 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek built?

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

What condition is RTE 13 over Chaffee 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek carry?

About 7,214 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 13 over Chaffee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.