US Bridges

RTE 3 over Saranac River

Good

Franklin County, New York · 0.2 MI W JCT Rts 3 & 86 · Structure no. 000000001000800

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,461
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 3 over Saranac River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 3 over Saranac River in Franklin County, New York. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 3,461 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,477 by 2041. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 3
CrossesSaranac River
Location0.2 MI W JCT Rts 3 & 86
RouteState Highway 3
CountyFranklin County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.32519, -74.13282
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span151 ft (46 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,461 (2020)
Projected traffic3,477 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Saranac River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 3 over Saranac River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 3 over Saranac River carry?

About 3,461 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 3 over Saranac River?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 151 ft (46 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Saranac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.