US Bridges

RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet

Good

Tompkins County, New York · 50 E JCT S.H.79 & S.H.89 · Structure no. 000000004210390

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
104 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,628
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 10,628 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,910 by 2041. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 79
CrossesCayuga Inlet
Location50 E JCT S.H.79 & S.H.89
RouteCity Street 79
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.43938, -76.51197
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,628 (2016)
Projected traffic12,910 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
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

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$2.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 79 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet carry?

About 10,628 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 79 over Cayuga Inlet?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.