Ausable Chasm Bridge

The Ausable Chasm Bridge is a solid ribbed deck arch, with concrete deck arch approach spans. The bridge was built in 1934, and is one of the many steel deck arches that were built in in New York State. However, this bridge stands out among the surviving steel arch bridges. The concrete on the abutments and approach spans was faced in sandstone and limestone to give the appearance of a masonry structure. This attention to aesthetics, as well as the bridge's location above Ausable Chasm, makes it a popular bridge to visit and photograph.

Crossing the Ausable River at Ausable Chasm has been important and difficult for centuries. The first bridge was built in 1793 as part of the Old State Road. It was located about a mile downstream from the current bridge in order to cross at a narrow section of the river. The bridge was used until 1812, when the course of the road was changed. The next crossings were a series of wooden truss bridges constructed where the present Old State Road Bridge is located. However, the mist from the falls would cause rapid decay of the timber, requiring frequent replacement. Around 1900, the Old State Road bridge was built (see separate post for more information and pictures). This bridge is constructed from iron, which allowed it to withstand the mist better than the wooden bridges. In the 1930’s, NYS Route 9 was rerouted again, and the current Ausable Chasm Bridge was constructed.