US Bridges

RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake

Fair

Chautauqua County, New York · At Bemus Point · Structure no. 00000000109181B

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
566 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,071
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake in Chautauqua County, New York. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 15,071 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,949 by 2041. The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I86
CrossesChautauqua Lake
LocationAt Bemus Point
RouteInterstate 86
CountyChautauqua County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.15198, -79.38441
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating72 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length566 ft (172.5 m)
Longest span159 ft (48.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,071 (2020)
Projected traffic17,949 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$12.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake carry?

About 15,071 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake?

The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long with a longest span of 159 ft (48.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I86 over Chautauqua Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.