US Bridges

Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet

FairPosted for load

Tompkins County, New York · In Newfield · Structure no. 000000003210210

Built
1853
172 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
116 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
186
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet is a wood or timber arch - thru carrying Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1853 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 172 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 186 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2041. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesCovered Bridge ST
CrossesW.Br.Cayuga Inlet
LocationIn Newfield
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.36321, -76.59049
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic186 (2021)
Projected traffic260 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet built?

It was built in 1853, making it 172 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet 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 2024.

How much traffic does Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet carry?

About 186 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Covered Bridge ST over W.Br.Cayuga Inlet?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.