US Bridges

RTE 3 over Power Canal

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · .4 MI E JCT SH 3 & SH 342 · Structure no. 000000001000530

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
172 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,956
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 3 over Power Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 3 over Power Canal in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 77 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 5,956 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,983 by 2041. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 3
CrossesPower Canal
Location.4 MI E JCT SH 3 & SH 342
RouteState Highway 3
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.00309, -75.80789
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,956 (2020)
Projected traffic5,983 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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$3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Power Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is RTE 3 over Power Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 3 over Power Canal carry?

About 5,956 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 3 over Power Canal?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Power Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.