US Bridges

RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet

Good

Tompkins County, New York · E of JCT SH 96 & SH 89 · Structure no. 000000004210370

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,624
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 16,624 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,194 by 2041. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 96
CrossesCayuga Inlet
LocationE of JCT SH 96 & SH 89
RouteState Highway 96
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.4409, -76.51206
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,624 (2020)
Projected traffic20,194 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$3.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet carry?

About 16,624 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 96 over Cayuga Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.