US Bridges

RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue

Fair

Kings County, New York · I278 WB Ramp at Exit 20 · Structure no. 00000000106531C

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
546 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
147,365
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue in Kings County, New York. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 62 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 147,365 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 188,302 by 2041. The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long and 18 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I278
Crosses3rd Avenue
LocationI278 WB Ramp at Exit 20
RouteInterstate 278
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.63879, -74.02172
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length546 ft (166.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic147,365 (2020)
Projected traffic188,302 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$7.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue carry?

About 147,365 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue?

The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over 3rd Avenue?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.