US Bridges

Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal

Fair

Kings County, New York · Over Gowanus Canal · Structure no. 000000002240310

Built
1889
136 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,199
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal in Kings County, New York. It was built in 1889 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 136 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 11,199 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,251 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 80 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThird Avenue
CrossesGowanus Canal
LocationOver Gowanus Canal
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.67425, -73.98869
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,199 (2020)
Projected traffic11,251 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$7.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal built?

It was built in 1889, making it 136 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Third Avenue over Gowanus 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal carry?

About 11,199 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Third Avenue over Gowanus Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.