US Bridges

RTE 55 over Rondout Creek

Fair

Ulster County, New York · 5.4 MI W JCT Rts 55+209 · Structure no. 000000001027080

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
322 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
761
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 55 over Rondout Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying RTE 55 over Rondout Creek in Ulster County, New York. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 86 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 761 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 793 by 2041. The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 55
CrossesRondout Creek
Location5.4 MI W JCT Rts 55+209
RouteState Highway 55
CountyUlster County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.79177, -74.41407
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length322 ft (98.1 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic761 (2011)
Projected traffic793 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$12.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 55 over Rondout Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is RTE 55 over Rondout Creek 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 55 over Rondout Creek carry?

About 761 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 55 over Rondout Creek?

The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 55 over Rondout Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.