US Bridges

RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek

Good

Tompkins County, New York · 2.3 MI SE Seneca CO Line · Structure no. 000000001035030

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
132 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,994
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,994 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,049 by 2041. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 96
CrossesTaughannock Creek
Location2.3 MI SE Seneca CO Line
RouteState Highway 96
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.5297, -76.63701
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,994 (2018)
Projected traffic9,049 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek carry?

About 8,994 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 96 over Taughannock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.