US Bridges

RTE 3 over Saranac River

Fair

Franklin County, New York · In Saranac Lake · Structure no. 000000003336880

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,841
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 3 over Saranac River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 3 over Saranac River in Franklin County, New York. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 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 4,841 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,863 by 2041. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 3
CrossesSaranac River
LocationIn Saranac Lake
RouteState Highway 3
CountyFranklin County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.32858, -74.13042
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,841 (2021)
Projected traffic4,863 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Saranac River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 3 over Saranac 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 3 over Saranac River carry?

About 4,841 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 3 over Saranac River?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Saranac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.