US Bridges

Columbus RD over Towpath Trail

Fair

Cuyahoga County, Ohio · W of Carter RD (flats) · Structure no. 1869302

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,176
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Columbus RD over Towpath Trail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Columbus RD over Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 125 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 3,176 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,408 by 2035. The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColumbus RD
CrossesTowpath Trail
LocationW of Carter RD (flats)
RouteCity Street 14642
CountyCuyahoga County
StateOhio
Coordinates41.49501, -81.69925
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length47 ft (14.2 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,176 (2015)
Projected traffic4,408 by 2035
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$220,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Columbus RD over Towpath Trail built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Columbus RD over Towpath Trail 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Columbus RD over Towpath Trail carry?

About 3,176 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Columbus RD over Towpath Trail?

The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Columbus RD over Towpath Trail?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.