US Bridges

RTE 3 over Black River

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 0.5 MI E JCT Rts 3 + 342 · Structure no. 000000001000540

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,956
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 3 over Black River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 3 over Black River in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1983, 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 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 5,956 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,983 by 2041. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 3
CrossesBlack River
Location0.5 MI E JCT Rts 3 + 342
RouteState Highway 3
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.00362, -75.80629
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 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$3.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Black River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is RTE 3 over Black 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 3 over Black River carry?

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

How long is RTE 3 over Black River?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.