Irondequoit Bay Bridge Live Cam

The Irondequoit Bay Bridge is a bridge located in Monroe County, New York, USA. It spans across Irondequoit Bay, connecting the towns of Irondequoit and Webster.

The original bridge was built in 1930 and was a drawbridge. It was a major transportation route for the area, connecting the eastern suburbs of Rochester to the city's downtown.

In 1978, the bridge was replaced with a new structure, which was a high-level fixed-span bridge. The new bridge was designed to improve safety and reduce the need for frequent openings. It was also designed to accommodate larger vessels on the bay.

In 2016, the New York State Department of Transportation began a major rehabilitation project for the Irondequoit Bay Bridge. The project included replacing the bridge deck, repairing the substructure, replacing the railings, and improving the pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The project was completed in 2018, and the bridge is now in good condition.

The Irondequoit Bay Bridge has played an important role in the history and development of the surrounding communities. It has provided a vital link for residents and businesses in the area, and has helped to facilitate growth and economic development.

Historical Facts

• The original Irondequoit Bay Bridge was designed by the New York State Department of Public Works and built by the American Bridge Company.
• The original bridge had a wooden deck, which was replaced with a steel grid deck in 1942 to accommodate heavier vehicles.
• During World War II, the bridge was guarded by military personnel due to concerns about possible sabotage.
• In the early years, the bridge was operated by a bridge tender who would manually raise and lower the drawbridge for passing boats.
• In 1957, the bridge was electrified, and the drawbridge was replaced with a bascule lift system.
• The new high-level fixed-span bridge that replaced the original bridge in 1978 was designed by Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Inc.
• The Irondequoit Bay Bridge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008.
• The bridge has undergone several major rehabilitation projects over the years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
• The Irondequoit Bay Bridge has been a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities for many years.
• The Irondequoit Bay Bridge has been featured in several films and television shows, including the 1995 movie "Murder in the First" and the television show "The Amazing Race."

Irondequoit Bay

Irondequoit Bay is a large, shallow bay located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Monroe County, New York, USA. The bay has a surface area of approximately 5.5 square miles (14.2 square kilometers) and is fed by several small streams and creeks.

The name "Irondequoit" is derived from a Native American word meaning "where the land and water meet." The area around the bay has a rich history, dating back to prehistoric times when Native American tribes used the area for fishing, hunting, and trading.

In the early 19th century, the bay became an important shipping center, with boats carrying goods such as lumber, grain, and coal to and from Rochester and other nearby towns. The bay was also a popular spot for recreation, with several hotels and resorts catering to tourists during the summer months.

During World War II, the bay was used as a training ground for the United States Navy, with sailors practicing maneuvers and amphibious landings in the shallow waters.

Today, Irondequoit Bay is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. The bay is home to several marinas, boat clubs, and parks, including the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and the Irondequoit Bay Wildlife Management Area.

The bay is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a wide variety of fish and wildlife species. The Irondequoit Creek, which flows into the bay, is a designated trout stream and is stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout each year.

Overall, Irondequoit Bay is an important and treasured part of the local community, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities.