US Bridges

RTE 278 over Varick Ave

Fair

Kings County, New York · I-278 over Varick Avenue · Structure no. 000000001079721

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
65,444
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 278 over Varick Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 278 over Varick Ave in Kings County, New York. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger 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 65,444 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 83,624 by 2041. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 205 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 278
CrossesVarick Ave
LocationI-278 over Varick Avenue
RouteInterstate 278
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.72512, -73.93477
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width205 ft (62.6 m)
Roadway width185 ft (56.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,444 (2020)
Projected traffic83,624 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
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$20.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 278 over Varick Ave built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 278 over Varick Ave 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 278 over Varick Ave carry?

About 65,444 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 278 over Varick Ave?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 205 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 278 over Varick Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.