Key Issues

Condition of the Existing Peace Bridge

The Peace Bridge is 83 years old. Naturally questions are asked as to the condition of the bridge, its structural integrity, and its useful life.

The PBA does a thorough inspection of the bridge every year. New York State only requires its bridges to be inspected every two years. In addition, the PBA analyzes the bridge piers every five years as well as conducting detailed examination of the bridge deck.

The 2009 inspection for the Peace Bridge stated as follows:

"The overall structural condition of the Peace Bridge is generally satisfactory to good.”

“The overall results of the inspection indicate that the bridge will be capable of safely carrying loads for many years with continued preventative maintenance, repairs, and painting.”

“The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Sufficiency Rating for the Peace Bridge…Note that out of a possible 55% for Structural Adequacy and Safety, the Peace Bridge received 55% with no points deducted"

Click here for the Executive Summary of the 2009 inspection report.

The scour investigation in 2005 indicated no evidence of scour that would adversely affect the stability of the river piers.

Click here for the Executive Summary of the 2005 scour report.

The 2007 bridge deck report indicated that the structural deck is in an overall acceptable condition. While the PBA seeks to extend the service life of the deck as long as possible, planning is underway to replace the deck, ideally after the new bridge is completed to avoid extended border congestion.

Click here for the Executive Summary of the 2007 deck condition report.