US Bridges

RTE 981K over Esopus Creek

Fair

Ulster County, New York · 0.8 MI S JCT Rts 28+I87 · Structure no. 000000001050030

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,147
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 981K over Esopus Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 981K over Esopus Creek in Ulster County, New York. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 19,147 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,259 by 2041. The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 981K
CrossesEsopus Creek
Location0.8 MI S JCT Rts 28+I87
RouteState Highway 981K
CountyUlster County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.93899, -74.02689
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating103 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length270 ft (82.2 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,147 (2020)
Projected traffic23,259 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$11.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 981K over Esopus Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 981K over Esopus 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 981K over Esopus Creek carry?

About 19,147 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 981K over Esopus Creek?

The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 981K over Esopus Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.