US Bridges

RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River

Fair

Essex County, New York · 1.2 MI NE Whiteface Ski · Structure no. 000000001032740

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,996
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River in Essex County, New York. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 3,996 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,261 by 2041. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 86
CrossesW Br Ausable River
Location1.2 MI NE Whiteface Ski
RouteU.S. Route 86
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.36601, -73.84096
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,996 (2016)
Projected traffic4,261 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$3.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 86 over W Br Ausable 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River carry?

About 3,996 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 86 over W Br Ausable River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.