US Bridges

Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River

Fair

Erie County, New York · .3 MI SW JCT SH5 & Buf Rv · Structure no. 000000002260450

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
239 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,133
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River is a steel movable - lift carrying Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River in Erie County, New York. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 95 years old, older 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 5 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 2,133 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,639 by 2041. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMichigan Avenue
CrossesBuffalo River
Location.3 MI SW JCT SH5 & Buf Rv
RouteCity Street 0
CountyErie County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.87141, -78.87335
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span236 ft (71.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,133 (2019)
Projected traffic2,639 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$20.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River carry?

About 2,133 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 236 ft (71.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Michigan Avenue over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.