US Bridges

278 over Arthur Kill

Good

Union County, New Jersey · Elizabeth Nj · Structure no. 3823052

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stayed Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,984 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
32,714
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

278 over Arthur Kill is a steel continuous stayed girder carrying 278 over Arthur Kill in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 32,714 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,917 by 2043. The structure is 1,984 ft (604.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries278
CrossesArthur Kill
LocationElizabeth Nj
RouteInterstate 278
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.63381, -74.19453
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal 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 rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStayed Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,984 ft (604.7 m)
Longest span900 ft (274.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,714 (2023)
Projected traffic39,917 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was 278 over Arthur Kill built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 278 over Arthur Kill carry?

About 32,714 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is 278 over Arthur Kill?

The structure is 1,984 ft (604.7 m) long with a longest span of 900 ft (274.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns 278 over Arthur Kill?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.