US Bridges

RTE 63 over Erie Canal

Fair

Orleans County, New York · JCT RTE 63&BARGE Canal · Structure no. 000000004445270

Built
1914
111 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,298
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 63 over Erie Canal is a steel movable - lift carrying RTE 63 over Erie Canal in Orleans County, New York. It was built in 1914, 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.

It carries about 5,298 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,436 by 2041. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 63
CrossesErie Canal
LocationJCT RTE 63&BARGE Canal
RouteState Highway 63
CountyOrleans County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.22549, -78.39176
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,298 (2020)
Projected traffic6,436 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$8.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 63 over Erie Canal built?

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

What condition is RTE 63 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 63 over Erie Canal carry?

About 5,298 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 63 over Erie Canal?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 63 over Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.