US Bridges

County Road 3 over Punch Brook

Poor

Columbia County, New York · 2.7 MI SE of West Copake · Structure no. 000000003342180

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
667
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 3 over Punch Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 3 over Punch Brook in Columbia 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 667 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 934 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 3
CrossesPunch Brook
Location2.7 MI SE of West Copake
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyColumbia County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.05727, -73.56731
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic667 (2020)
Projected traffic934 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 County Road 3 over Punch Brook built?

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

What condition is County Road 3 over Punch Brook 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 3 over Punch Brook carry?

About 667 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is County Road 3 over Punch Brook?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 3 over Punch Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.