US Bridges

RTE 4 over Champlain Canal

Fair

Washington County, New York · JCT RTE 4 & Champlain C · Structure no. 000000004001130

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
340 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,413
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 4 over Champlain Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying RTE 4 over Champlain Canal in Washington County, New York. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 92 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 7,413 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,305 by 2041. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 4
CrossesChamplain Canal
LocationJCT RTE 4 & Champlain C
RouteU.S. Route 4
CountyWashington County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.54963, -73.40176
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,413 (2020)
Projected traffic8,305 by 2041
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$10.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 4 over Champlain Canal built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is RTE 4 over Champlain 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 4 over Champlain Canal carry?

About 7,413 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is RTE 4 over Champlain Canal?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 4 over Champlain Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.