US Bridges

RTE 259 over Erie Canal

FairPosted for load

Monroe County, New York · JCT Barge C&rte 259 · Structure no. 000000004443230

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
141 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,247
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 259 over Erie Canal is a steel movable - lift carrying RTE 259 over Erie Canal in Monroe County, New York. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 111 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 14,247 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,313 by 2041. The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 259
CrossesErie Canal
LocationJCT Barge C&rte 259
RouteState Highway 259
CountyMonroe County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.19324, -77.80044
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length141 ft (43 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,247 (2021)
Projected traffic14,313 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 259 over Erie Canal built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is RTE 259 over Erie 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 259 over Erie Canal carry?

About 14,247 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 259 over Erie Canal?

The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 259 over Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.