US Bridges

RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 3.5 MI SW JCT SH34 & SH13 · Structure no. 000000001023250

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
166 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,358
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 3,358 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,378 by 2041. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 34
CrossesNorfolk Southern
Location3.5 MI SW JCT SH34 & SH13
RouteState Highway 34
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.35121, -76.54302
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,358 (2020)
Projected traffic3,378 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$2.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 3,358 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 34 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.