US Bridges

RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill

Fair

Ulster County, New York · 5.2 MI W JCT SH 52 + US 2 · Structure no. 000000001026590

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,185
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill in Ulster County, New York. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 75 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 6 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 4,185 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,224 by 2041. The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 52
CrossesWest Branch Beer Kill
Location5.2 MI W JCT SH 52 + US 2
RouteState Highway 52
CountyUlster County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.7267, -74.48767
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length203 ft (61.8 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,185 (2020)
Projected traffic4,224 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$8.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill carry?

About 4,185 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill?

The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 52 over West Branch Beer Kill?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.