US Bridges

German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 2.7 MI SE Ithaca City Lmt · Structure no. 000000003209910

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
238
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 238 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 333 by 2037. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesGerman Cross Road
CrossesSixmile Creek
Location2.7 MI SE Ithaca City Lmt
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.4028, -76.43618
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107 US tons
Inventory rating64 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic238 (2017)
Projected traffic333 by 2037
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$993,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is German Cross Road over Sixmile 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 German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek carry?

About 238 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns German Cross Road over Sixmile Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.