This is the third in a series of blog posts that highlight findings from NYSDOT’s draft Technical Memorandum #1: Physical Conditions Analysis (Tech Memo #1).  To read other blog posts in the series, click here.

Pavement and bridge conditions are determined by periodic inspections conducted by NYSDOT. A NYSDOT surface rating survey completed in 2008 found the majority of the pavement in the [primary study area] to be in “good” condition. However, given their age, the majority of highways in the primary study area will need either major rehabilitation or reconstruction by 2040–the design year for any major highway project that may result from The I-81 Challenge.

Of the 76 bridges located along I-81 and I-690 in the primary study area:

-          60 % (46 of 76 bridges) are classified as “functionally obsolete” meaning the lane widths, load carrying capacity, clearance, or approach roadway alignments do not meet current bridge standards.  Eighteen of these bridges are located in the viaduct section of I-81.

-          9% (7 of 76 bridges) are classified as “structurally deficient” meaning they are in need of rehabilitation, are restricted to light vehicles, or are closed.  One of these bridges is located in the viaduct section of I-81.

Assuming only routine maintenance, most obsolete or deficient bridges in the study corridor will be in a state of serious deterioration by 2020. By the year 2050–the design year for any major bridge project that may result from this effort–more than 80% of the bridges in the study corridor will have met or exceeded their expected service life. The need to replace, reconstruct or remove these bridges is one of the primary needs of The I-81 Challenge.

To read more about bridge and pavement conditions in the primary study area, check out the full report for Tech Memo #1, or the summary document, at www.theI81challenge.org.