US Bridges

RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue

Poor

Kings County, New York · 3.3 MI SW JCT I278 + I495 · Structure no. 000000001065439

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
137,578
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue is a concrete frame carrying RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue in Kings County, New York. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 71 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 137,578 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 175,797 by 2041. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 101 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesRTE I278
CrossesFlushing Avenue
Location3.3 MI SW JCT I278 + I495
RouteInterstate 278
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.69811, -73.96249
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.4 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.8 m)
Roadway width95 ft (29 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic137,578 (2020)
Projected traffic175,797 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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$13.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue carry?

About 137,578 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.4 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over Flushing Avenue?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.