Worst Bridges in New York
Bridges with the lowest condition ratings in New York. New York has 1,664 bridges in poor condition (9.4% of 17,642 total bridges).
17,642
Total Bridges
9.4%
In Poor Condition
1,664
Poor Bridges
10
Listed Below
Understanding Bridge Conditions in New York
New York's bridge infrastructure reflects decades of construction, maintenance, and replacement decisions influenced by geography, climate, traffic patterns, and available funding. With 1,664 bridges currently rated in poor condition (9.4% of the total inventory), understanding what these ratings mean helps residents and policymakers make informed decisions about infrastructure investment.
Federal inspectors evaluate three key components on every highway bridge: the deck (the driving surface and its immediate supports), the superstructure (beams, girders, trusses, or other primary load-carrying members), and the substructure (piers, abutments, and foundations that transfer loads to the ground). Each component receives a rating from 0 to 9, with the lowest of these three ratings determining the overall condition category. A rating of 4 or below classifies a bridge as “poor,” indicating significant structural deterioration that warrants prioritized attention.
Poor-rated bridges remain safe for use at their posted limits because federal law requires that any bridge with load-carrying deficiencies be either repaired, posted with weight restrictions, or closed. Many poor-rated bridges receive more frequent inspections than the standard 24-month cycle, allowing engineers to monitor deterioration rates and ensure conditions have not worsened beyond safe operating limits. Weight restrictions protect the structure while allowing continued service until rehabilitation or replacement can be funded and constructed.
Infrastructure investment decisions involve difficult trade-offs between maintaining aging structures and building new capacity. Bridges listed below represent the most deteriorated structures in New York's inventory, where rehabilitation or replacement investment would have the greatest impact on improving overall infrastructure condition. Understanding where these bridges are located helps communities advocate for appropriate funding and plan alternative routes when load restrictions affect commercial traffic.
Condition Rating Scale
Failed to Critical
Closed or severely restricted. Major deterioration requiring immediate action.
Serious to Poor
Significant deterioration affecting capacity. Often weight-restricted.
Fair
Minor deterioration visible. Maintenance recommended but not urgent.
Good to Excellent
Components in sound condition with no significant deficiencies.
Lowest Rated Bridges in New York
| Rank | Bridge | Rating | Year Built | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | HILLSIDE ROAD over MOHAWK RIVER 2 MI NW NORTHWESTERN | 0 | 1950 | Poor |
| #2 | NYSDEC ROAD over ROUND LAKE OUTLET OFF CHIMNEY MTN ROAD | 0 | 1995 | Poor |
| #3 | CARTER CREEK RD over CARTER CREEK 3.0 MI NE ALPINE | 0 | 1930 | Poor |
| #4 | HINDSBURG ROAD over Erie Canal Trailway ERI 0.7MI W JCT BARGE C+387 | 0 | 1911 | Poor |
| #5 | SECOND AVENUE over MILL CREEK CITY OF RENSSELAER | 1 | 1935 | Poor |
| #6 | GOSSNER ROAD over FALL BROOK 8 MI NORTH OF TABERG | 1 | 1965 | Poor |
| #7 | STEVENS ROAD over COLD BROOK 6.4 MILES NORTH OF HOMER | 1 | 1958 | Poor |
| #8 | SCHROON RIVER ROAD over SCHROON RIVER 1 MI NORTHWEST I87 EXIT24 | 1 | 1896 | Poor |
| #9 | STATE STREET over MURDER CREEK 1.5 MI NE JCT 935 | 1 | 1938 | Poor |
| #10 | CR 26 over GENESEE RIVER 0.5 MI.E.OF BELFAST | 1 | 1974 | Poor |
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Data Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory 2024
Bridge inspection data is typically updated every 24 months. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
“Structurally deficient” does not mean a bridge is unsafe or likely to collapse. It indicates that one or more key structural elements are in poor or worse condition. Bridges are inspected regularly and may have load restrictions in place.
This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used for route clearance or vehicle weight decisions.