US Bridges

RTE 44 over Wallkill River

Fair

Ulster County, New York · JCT RTE 44+WALLKILL R · Structure no. 000000001025490

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
197 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,831
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 44 over Wallkill River is a steel truss - thru carrying RTE 44 over Wallkill River in Ulster County, New York. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 4,831 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,039 by 2041. The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 97.6 mi (157 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 44
CrossesWallkill River
LocationJCT RTE 44+WALLKILL R
RouteU.S. Route 44
CountyUlster County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.68791, -74.16603
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length197 ft (60 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,831 (2020)
Projected traffic5,039 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed97.6 mi (157 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$11.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 44 over Wallkill River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is RTE 44 over Wallkill River 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 44 over Wallkill River carry?

About 4,831 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 44 over Wallkill River?

The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 44 over Wallkill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.