US Bridges

RTE 86 over Rock Gorge

Fair

Essex County, New York · RTE 86 at High Falls · Structure no. 000000001074540

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,923
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 86 over Rock Gorge is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 86 over Rock Gorge in Essex County, New York. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 3,923 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,183 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 86
CrossesRock Gorge
LocationRTE 86 at High Falls
RouteState Highway 86
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.34803, -73.87489
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,923 (2018)
Projected traffic4,183 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$561,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 86 over Rock Gorge built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 86 over Rock Gorge 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 86 over Rock Gorge carry?

About 3,923 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 86 over Rock Gorge?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 86 over Rock Gorge?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.