Lake Champlain Bridge Commission

In 1923, the Vermont General Assembly appointed a commission to study the feasibility of bridges across Lake Champlain, concluding that New York State should be involved in bridge planning. In 1925, the commission was reorganized and New York State appointed a commission to work with Vermont. The Joint Bridge Commission of New York and Vermont recommended the creation of a Bridge Commission by compact between the states and immediate construction of a bridge between Crown Point, New York and Chimney Point, Vermont. The compact creating the Lake Champlain Bridge Commission was signed on May 11, 1927. The commission consisted of three members each from both states and had the power to construct, maintain, and operate a bridge.

The Lake Champlain (Or Crown Point) Bridge opened on August 26, 1929. A 1935 amendment to the compact allowed the building of a second bridge. The Rouses Pointe Bridge, funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, was completed in 1937. Both bridges were designed by the engineering firm of Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, which also served as consultants to the commission throughout its life.

By the mid 1970s, Rouses Point Bridge was badly deteriorated and plans were made to replace it. The new Rouses Point Bridge opened in 1987. On December 11, 1987 the commission was abolished; both the bridges became toll free. All functions of the commission were transferred to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) and the New York State Department of Transportation.