US Bridges

Bates Road over Erie Canal

FairPosted for load

Orleans County, New York · 1.1 MI E JCT Bge CNL&RT63 · Structure no. 000000004445200

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
143 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
988
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bates Road over Erie Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying Bates Road over Erie Canal in Orleans 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 5 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 988 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,014 by 2041. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesBates Road
CrossesErie Canal
Location1.1 MI E JCT Bge CNL&RT63
CountyOrleans County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.23021, -78.37059
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span141 ft (42.9 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic988 (2021)
Projected traffic1,014 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$4.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bates Road over Erie Canal built?

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

What condition is Bates 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 2024.

How much traffic does Bates Road over Erie Canal carry?

About 988 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Bates Road over Erie Canal?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (42.9 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Bates Road over Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.