US Bridges

RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD

Good

Kings County, New York · I278 over Newtown Creek · Structure no. 000000001079731

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stayed Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,966 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
65,444
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD is a steel continuous stayed girder carrying RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 65,444 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 83,624 by 2041. The structure is 2,966 ft (904 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 278
CrossesLong Island RR 56th RD
LocationI278 over Newtown Creek
RouteInterstate 278
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.72503, -73.93319
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStayed Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+16 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length2,966 ft (904 m)
Longest span624 ft (190.2 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.3 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 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 structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$528.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD built?

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

What condition is RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD carry?

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

How long is RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD?

The structure is 2,966 ft (904 m) long with a longest span of 624 ft (190.2 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 278 over Long Island RR 56th RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.