US Bridges

RTE I278 over Bronx River

Fair

Bronx County, New York · .1MI E I278+I878 · Structure no. 000000002066671

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
175 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55,675
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I278 over Bronx River is a steel movable - bascule carrying RTE I278 over Bronx River in Bronx County, New York. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 73 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 55,675 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 70 ft wide.

CarriesRTE I278
CrossesBronx River
Location.1MI E I278+I878
RouteInterstate 278
Coordinates40.82283, -73.88467
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55,675 (2010)
Projected traffic—
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$47.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over Bronx River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is RTE I278 over Bronx River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over Bronx River carry?

About 55,675 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over Bronx River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over Bronx River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.