US Bridges

RTE 31 over Erie Canal

Fair

Niagara County, New York · JCT Rts 31 & 78 & Canal · Structure no. 000000004021480

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
140 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,286
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 31 over Erie Canal is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying RTE 31 over Erie Canal in Niagara County, New York. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 4,286 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,306 by 2041. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 255 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 31
CrossesErie Canal
LocationJCT Rts 31 & 78 & Canal
RouteState Highway 31
CountyNiagara County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.168, -78.69681
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span134 ft (40.8 m)
Deck width255 ft (77.6 m)
Roadway width238 ft (72.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,286 (2020)
Projected traffic4,306 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
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$28.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 31 over Erie Canal built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 31 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 31 over Erie Canal carry?

About 4,286 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 31 over Erie Canal?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 134 ft (40.8 m) and a deck 255 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 31 over Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.