US Bridges

Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal

FairPosted for load

Orleans County, New York · 4.3 MI E JCT Bg Cnl &SH63 · Structure no. 000000004445180

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
145 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,618
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal is a steel movable - lift carrying Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal in Orleans County, New York. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 115 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 1,618 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,265 by 2041. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKnowlesville Road
CrossesErie Canal
Location4.3 MI E JCT Bg Cnl &SH63
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOrleans County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.24266, -78.31062
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,618 (2021)
Projected traffic2,265 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Knowlesville Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal carry?

About 1,618 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Knowlesville Road over Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.