US Bridges

RTE I278 over Sands Street

Fair

Kings County, New York · .4 MI SE I278+BKLYN Br · Structure no. 000000002230490

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Frame
Steel
Length
147 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
129,323
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I278 over Sands Street is a steel frame carrying RTE I278 over Sands Street in Kings County, New York. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 5 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 129,323 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 165,248 by 2041. The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE I278
CrossesSands Street
Location.4 MI SE I278+BKLYN Br
RouteInterstate 278
CountyKings County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.69983, -73.98471
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length147 ft (44.8 m)
Longest span146 ft (44.5 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129,323 (2020)
Projected traffic165,248 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$16.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over Sands Street built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I278 over Sands Street 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over Sands Street carry?

About 129,323 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over Sands Street?

The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long with a longest span of 146 ft (44.5 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over Sands Street?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.