US Bridges

I-278 over Arthur Kill

Good

Union County, New Jersey · Elizabeth Nj · Structure no. 3823051

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stayed Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,985 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,917
2022 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-278 over Arthur Kill is a steel continuous stayed girder carrying I-278 over Arthur Kill in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 2018, so it is 7 years old, younger than the New Jersey average of 58.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 36,917 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,046 by 2042. The structure is 1,985 ft (605 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-278
CrossesArthur Kill
LocationElizabeth Nj
RouteInterstate 278
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.63402, -74.19434
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStayed Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,985 ft (605 m)
Longest span900 ft (274.3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,917 (2022)
Projected traffic45,046 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-278 over Arthur Kill built?

It was built in 2018, making it 7 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-278 over Arthur Kill in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does I-278 over Arthur Kill carry?

About 36,917 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I-278 over Arthur Kill?

The structure is 1,985 ft (605 m) long with a longest span of 900 ft (274.3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I-278 over Arthur Kill?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.