US Bridges

RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch

Fair

Jefferson County, New York · 5.0 Mi.Nw Alexandria Bay · Structure no. 000000005523251

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
102 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,850
2014 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch is a concrete frame carrying RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 87 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 2,850 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 81
CrossesSt.Lawrence Rv.Ch
Location5.0 Mi.Nw Alexandria Bay
CountyJefferson County
StateNew York
Coordinates44.34715, -75.98354
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,850 (2014)
Projected traffic—
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch carry?

About 2,850 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 81 over St.Lawrence Rv.Ch?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.