US Bridges

RTE 3 over Black River

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 1.0 MI W JCT Rts 3 & 3A · Structure no. 000000001000580

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
455 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,010
2018 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 1986, so it is 39 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 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 5,010 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,033 by 2041. The structure is 455 ft (138.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 3
CrossesBlack River
Location1.0 MI W JCT Rts 3 & 3A
RouteState Highway 3
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.0345, -75.68846
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length455 ft (138.7 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,010 (2018)
Projected traffic5,033 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$6.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Black River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

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 5,010 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 3 over Black River?

The structure is 455 ft (138.7 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.