US Bridges

RTE 3 over Oswego Canal

Good

Oswego County, New York · JCT of RTE 3 + Barge C · Structure no. 000000004000300

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
783 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
18,390
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 3 over Oswego Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 3 over Oswego Canal in Oswego County, New York. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 56 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 18,390 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,340 by 2041. The structure is 783 ft (238.7 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 3
CrossesOswego Canal
LocationJCT of RTE 3 + Barge C
RouteState Highway 3
CountyOswego County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.31669, -76.41661
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length783 ft (238.7 m)
Longest span174 ft (53 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,390 (2020)
Projected traffic22,340 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$18.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 3 over Oswego Canal built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is RTE 3 over Oswego Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 3 over Oswego Canal carry?

About 18,390 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 3 over Oswego Canal?

The structure is 783 ft (238.7 m) long with a longest span of 174 ft (53 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 3 over Oswego Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.