US Bridges

RTE I87 over Esopus Creek

Fair

Ulster County, New York · In the City of Kingston · Structure no. 000000005515509

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
315 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,755
2018 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I87 over Esopus Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I87 over Esopus Creek in Ulster County, New York. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 72 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 35,755 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,547 by 2041. The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long and 113 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I87
CrossesEsopus Creek
LocationIn the City of Kingston
RouteInterstate 87
CountyUlster County
StateNew York
Coordinates41.94397, -74.03219
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length315 ft (96 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width113 ft (34.4 m)
Roadway width107 ft (32.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,755 (2018)
Projected traffic60,547 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$23.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I87 over Esopus Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is RTE I87 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I87 over Esopus Creek carry?

About 35,755 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is RTE I87 over Esopus Creek?

The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 113 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I87 over Esopus Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.