US Bridges

RTE 185 over Lake Champlain

Good

Essex County, New York · 4 MI NE of RTE 9N · Structure no. 000000005521180

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
2,204 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,388
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 185 over Lake Champlain is a steel arch - thru carrying RTE 185 over Lake Champlain in Essex County, New York. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,388 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,613 by 2041. The structure is 2,204 ft (671.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 84.5 mi (136 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 185
CrossesLake Champlain
Location4 MI NE of RTE 9N
RouteState Highway 185
CountyEssex County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.03017, -73.42527
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length2,204 ft (671.8 m)
Longest span402 ft (122.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,388 (2021)
Projected traffic3,613 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed84.5 mi (136 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$79.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 185 over Lake Champlain built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 185 over Lake Champlain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 185 over Lake Champlain carry?

About 3,388 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 185 over Lake Champlain?

The structure is 2,204 ft (671.8 m) long with a longest span of 402 ft (122.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 185 over Lake Champlain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.