US Bridges

RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · .2 MI W JCT Ny 13 SB · Structure no. 000000002210660

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
218 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,463
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 57 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 6 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 13,463 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,354 by 2041. The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 79
CrossesRelief Channel Cayuga W
Location.2 MI W JCT Ny 13 SB
RouteState Highway 79
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.44093, -76.51477
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length218 ft (66.4 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,463 (2021)
Projected traffic16,354 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W 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 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W carry?

About 13,463 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W?

The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 79 over Relief Channel Cayuga W?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.