US Bridges

RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek

Poor

Wyoming County, New York · 2.8MI S JCT Rts 98 + 20A · Structure no. 000000001035660

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,114
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek in Wyoming County, New York. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,114 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,560 by 2041. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesRTE 98
CrossesTonawanda Creek
Location2.8MI S JCT Rts 98 + 20A
RouteState Highway 98
Coordinates42.71814, -78.32206
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,114 (2021)
Projected traffic1,560 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek carry?

About 1,114 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 98 over Tonawanda Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.