US Bridges

RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 1.2 MI SE Seneca CL;RTE89 · Structure no. 000000001034290

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
239 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,443
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 4,443 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,211 by 2041. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 89
CrossesTaughannock Creek
Location1.2 MI SE Seneca CL;RTE89
RouteState Highway 89
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.54593, -76.59991
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.5 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,443 (2018)
Projected traffic6,211 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$6.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 89 over Taughannock 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek carry?

About 4,443 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 89 over Taughannock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.